In Year 3, Kool-Aid McKinstry is making it a point to make strides as a leader, and it couldn't have come at a better time for the New Orleans Saints.
After Wednesday's practice, McKinstry met with the media and one thing stood out more than anything else. "I'm definitely comfortable in being a leader. I was around Coach Saban for 3 years, and I feel like he's one of the ultimate leaders. I was around this guy, so I feel like I picked up a lot of leadership qualities. I'm kind of a vocal leader. I'm kind of a lead by example type guy. I fit right into that role. I feel like it's not too big for me."
McKinstry spoke about inviting players to the house and doing anything to help everyone connect. He also expressed the desire to expand his leadership beyond just the secondary and even beyond the defense. We're looking for McKinstry to take a big step forward as a corner, and he's looking to improve on and off the field.
Kool-Aid McKinstry is embracing leadership in a way the Saints have needed
The Saints are in the midst of a potential mass exodus of leadership this offseason. Demario Davis was largest voice in the locker room, and he left for the New York Jets this offseason. Alontae Taylor was quietly a growing voice in the secondary. He's currently a Titan. Then, you have the uncertainty of Alvin Kamara and Cam Jordan's futures.
That's a potential of four important leaders on the team leaving in one offseason. Three of those leaders have been mainstays on the team for years. Truthfully, losing Demario Davis is a big enough void by himself. Questions about how to replace his presence have been abundant this offseason.Â
The answers have typically been players saying they'll lead by example or one man can't replace everything Davis does. That's what makes the McKinstry's stance a breath of fresh air. It's not that it won't take multiple players to replace Davis, but someone needed to step up and say they'll do it. If it takes 5 players to do it, then someone needs to make it clear they're one-fifth of the solution.
McKinstry just did that. He isn't shying away from the challenge or saying he'll just be a lead by example leader. He is welcoming and embracing becoming a leading voice on the team in a time when the team needs it.
The offseason is young, but it's about time someone stepped up to the plate, instead of being outwardly reluctant about it. McKinstry hasn’t been the player most fans were looking to fill the shoes, but the options you don’t think of can sometimes be the best.Â
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