Training camp spotlight: Kool-Aid McKinstry vs. Alontae Taylor

Though Kool-Aid McKinstry hasn’t played a snap in the NFL, he and Alontae Taylor have a few parallels in their professional journey.

The New Orleans Saints drafted both defensive backs in the second round, and there were similar questions around their immediate future with the team. Paulson Adebo was coming off a strong rookie year next to Marshon Lattimore. There were questions about where Taylor would line up — would he be a cornerback or safety? Injuries led to him starting nine games as a rookie, all outside at corner.

Ironically, Adebo is now coming off another strong year, and the Saints drafted another cornerback. This time it’s McKinstry. When thinking of McKinstry’s impact, eyes tend to focus on 2025. That’s the year it is believed he will be a starting outside corner for the Saints, whether it’s because Adebo or Lattimore moving on next offseason.

Possibly the greatest parallel between McKinstry and Taylor is that they have both been asked to move to the slot without much experience inn that role. Taylor slid inside late last summer after Adebo won the outside cornerback battle. It was his first time playing that position, and he struggled there while playing out of his element. He was benched twice late in 2023.

Saints coach Dennis Allen has said McKinstry will compete on the outside and the inside during training camp. Training him at both positions is great long-term. In the short-term, though, the greater opportunity is on the inside

McKinstry will be playing slot for the first time this year. Will his transition be smoother than Taylor’s was? It feels temporary, but it’s his best route to the field in 2024. To win that spot, he’ll have to go through Taylor.