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Nick Saban on new Saints CB Kool-Aid McKinstry: 'I love this guy'

If you're a defensive back with Nick Saban firmly in your corner, you must be doing something right. That's the case with new Saints rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry.

Now retired and speaking as a broadcast analyst during the 2024 draft, the legendary former Alabama coach dove in on what makes his former CB special.


“Another guy that has great football intuition, great instincts. I mean, he understands offense, understands pattern match, really a fast reacter in the secondary," Saban said. "He ran a good enough time I thought it would move him up the charts the way he played. He’s a good punt returner as well. I just love this guy. He’s really smart and instinctive, and that’s why I think he’s going to be a really good player, and probably more ready to play than anybody else."

The Saints traded up to No. 41 in the draft to select McKinstry, adding some elite depth to a secondary that already features Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor, all of whom were picked in the top three rounds of their respective drafts. Lattimore and Adebo started as the outside corners in 2023 while Taylor took over the slot, though there has been buzz about potential trade prospects for Lattimore.

Listen to WWL Radio's exclusive interview with McKinstry in the player above. Can't see the embed? Click here.

McKinstry, the second Alabama DB drafted in 2024 after Terrion Arnold in the first round, is recovering from a foot injury discovered at the combine that is expected to keep him off the field until June.

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