Kool-Aid McKinstry is one of the most important players on the New Orleans Saints defense. Cornerbacks naturally receive an elevated importance, which is why it's a premier position, but McKinstry's development specifically could swing the tide of the pass defense.
The Saints aren't operating with a monster pass rush, despite having two players with double digit sacks. Safety is the strongest position on the team, so they should have good play over the top. A true number one cornerback is the thing that could elevate the pass defense from statistically good to feeling like a defense that allows the fourth least passing yards in the NFL.
There's some optimism outside of New Orleans that McKinstry can be that guy. He received votes as a top 10 cornerback in ESPN's positional rankings based on votes from coaches, executives and scouts. McKinstry didn't make the list, but this does give an idea of how his ceiling is viewed in the league.
Kool-Aid McKinstry needs to carry over momentum
It's still a long way to go before McKinstry actually makes the top-10. Being in the "received votes" section is lower than honorable mention, so there's no explanation on why someone felt McKinstry was a top 10 corner. What's important is someone saw it.
The next question becomes how does McKinstry elevate himself on this list. The answer is simple. Consistency. That could take McKinstry from receiving votes to honorable mention when next year's list rolls around.
McKinstry has shown the flashes of being a productive corner, so it isn't jaw dropping that someone viewed him highly enough to put in the top 10. He just needs to give the Saints that production over the course of 17 games.
The defense took a step up last year, but the most impressive moments came when the schedule got easier. Both McKinstry and the defense, as a whole, need to show these types of performances when they're facing teams like Packers and Ravens.
If McKinstry delivers on that, he'll take a step forward as a player, step up on the list and the defense will take that next step as a unit. Having a number one cornerback gives you confidence of knowing one of your best players is on one side of the field. With a gauntlet like the one the Saints are facing, McKinstry will have ample opportunity to prove himself in 2026
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