Canal Street Chronicles
McKinstry has big shoes to fill this season.
PFF predicts Kool-Aid McKinstry will be the most improved cornerback in the NFL in 2025.
The New Orleans Saints cornerback room suffered over the last year after trading Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore and letting veteran Paulson Adebo walk in free agency. The Saints still house promising fourth-year cornerback Alontae Taylor, but there is growing concern about the lack of consistency.
McKinstry, 22, had an encouraging rookie season. While growing pains were prevalent, the former second-round pick was credited with allowing just 33 receptions for 404 yards on 57 targets.
McKinstry is a disciplined defender and has the athleticism to hang with any receiver in the NFL. While it's true the former All-American cornerback should be more physical at the line, McKinstry combines his discipline with high game IQ.
PFF credits McKinstry with a 66.1 cornerback grade in 2024, ranking him 52nd out of 128 cornerbacks. McKinstry also earned a 67.1 coverage grade which ranks him 45th of all cornerbacks.
The Saints' defense is banking on a big jump from McKinstry. New Orleans used a fourth-round pick they received in the Marshon Lattimore trade to draft cornerback Quincy Riley, but as a day-three rookie, there isn't any expectation for him to make an impact right away. New Orleans hasn't been shy in hiding their desperation for a cornerback, with the team going heavily after now Indianapolis Colts cornerback Chavarius Ward early in free agency and bringing in Asante Samuel Jr. for a visit.
With the second-year cornerback in a prime position to cement a starting spot in 2025, PFF views McKinstry highly and predicts he will be the biggest breakout cornerback of the season.
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