When the New Orleans Saints selected Kool-Aid McKinstry in this year's NFL draft, the vision was that he would likely come in as an outside hitter. The problem is that it was Dennis Allen's plan. Dennis Allen is no longer here, so it's up to McKinstry to prove to the next coach that plans shouldn't change.
The opportunity is still there. Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo were the starting cornerbacks at the start of the season. Lattimore is a Washington Commander and Adebo is on injured reserve.
Joining McKinstry is Alontae Taylor on the outside, but Taylor has the slot corner role as his safety net. McKinstry has been limited for most of the season due to opportunities or injuries. The Lattimore trade paved the way for the rookie to showcase his talents.
Before the bye week, McKinstry played 99 percent of the snaps against the Browns. This will be his regular workload as long as he remains healthy. These next six games will show the regime that it should take a leadership role when it comes to who will play outside cornerback in 2025.
