Saints rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry proved he’s a star in the making against the Cowboys

When the New Orleans Saints selected Kool-Aid McKinstry in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, everyone said it was an example of the rich getting richer. The Saints already had an elite secondary, still, they decided to add one of the best corners in the draft class, bringing the talented McKinstry into the mix.

Although New Orleans already had established starters at the corner position, everyone knew McKinstry would find his way on the field as a contributor. However, because of a Marshon Lattimore injury, the rookie corner actually found his way into the starting lineup.

Once it was announced Lattimore would miss the Week 2 game against the Dallas Cowboys, fans were a bit worried about how the secondary would fare against CeeDee Lamb. That worry was quickly erased, because McKinstry stepped in as the starter, and the defense didn’t miss a beat.

Kool-Aid McKinstry shined as he filled in for Marshon Lattimore

Let’s just start by saying it was a great day for everyone in black and gold. The Saints won the game 44-19, so it was a dominant outing all around— even New Orleans’ fans outperformed Cowboys fans.

Amongst the Saints’ dominance was a rookie answering when his number when called. McKinstry made multiple standout plays throughout the game, and he didn’t look like a rookie that was trying to hide; he looked like a really good player in an elite defense.

The rookie corner finished the game with five tackles and one pass deflection. He looked strong and athletic, and was extremely physical with opposing ball carriers, so much so that you wouldn’t think he was a rookie.

The highlight of his day, though, came in the fourth quarter when he was one-on-one with CeeDee Lamb in the red zone. Lamb ran a fade route and Dak Prescott threw the ball up, giving his receiver a chance to make a play. However, it was New Orleans’ rookie corner that made the play, getting his hands in between Lamb’s to knock the ball away.

Veteran safety Will Harris finished the play off emphatically, coming over and running through Lamb’s chest for good measure.

Everyone assumed New Orleans landed another good player when they drafted McKinstry, and that assumption is proving to be true. He gives the Saints incredible depth in the secondary, and ensures the team will have quality corner play for years to come.

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