Former Alabama CB focused on being at his best at training camp ahead of critical year

Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry (14) reacts after breaking up a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Former Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry will find himself playing a much larger role on the New Orleans Saints’ defense across the 2026 season. 

McKinstry was nothing short of a star throughout his time at Alabama. The cornerback was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Saints as a result, and McKinstry is expected to have an increased workload this season after the departure of Alontae Taylor.

McKinstry recently took a moment to speak about the grind of the offseason, as the former Alabama star claims he has been focusing on his speed and technique. 

“Just learning about this position, you got to be able to run all day.” McKinstry said. “That’s something I spent my offseason doing, a lot of running. Different kinds of running, wether it’s miles, sprints, 40’s, wether it’s 60’s. So that’s just how my offseason went, of course sprinting but then there’s working on my technique after that. But I feel like being in shape was definitely number one for me going into this offseason.”

McKinstry is credited with 93 total tackles, 5 TFL and two interceptions across his three year career as a member of the Crimson Tide. The talented cornerback flashed his potential on numerous occasions during his first season in New Orleans as well, and McKinstry will now look to play at an even higher level with an expanded role in the Saints’ secondary moving forward.