There has been a substantial exodus of leadership for the New Orleans Saints’ defense over the last couple of offseasons. From the retirement of safety Tyrann Mathieu to the departure of linebacker Demario Davis and the current absence of long-time defensive end Cameron Jordan, the Saints have recently lost some leadership cornerstones.
With that, new leaders must emerge. While the predictable candidates are embracing their roles well, like edge rusher Chase Young, safety Justin Reid and linebacker Kaden Elliss, more young standard-bearers are developing.
One of which is the team’s top cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. Last year, versatile defender Alontae Taylor stepped into a leadership role inside the cornerback room. With his departure, the stage is set for McKinstry, and he’s grabbing the reins on the opportunity.
“I feel like I’m definitely comfortable being a leader,” McKinstry said after the final open practice of Organized Team Activities (OTAs). I was around coach (Nick Saban) three years and I feel like he’s one of the ultimate leaders and I was around this guy. So I feel like I picked up a lot of leadership qualities and I’m kind of a vocal leader. I’m kind of a lead by example type guy. So I fit right into that role. I feel like it’s not too big for me.”
The third-year defender also highlighted that he wants to be a leader for the entire team, not just the defense.
As for leading by example, that’s been noticeable on the field during OTAs in which the media has been present. Quarterbacks have rarely thrown McKinstry’s way in 7-on-7s as his strong offseason picks up from the surge he saw at the end of the year while the defense settled into its first year with coordinator Brandon Staley’s system.
From Week 10 through the end of the season, McKinstry was credited with allowing only a 45.9% completion percentage as the nearest defender and was tagged with only one touchdown reception allowed in the final six weeks.
He also notched his first interceptions last year, finishing with three total which included two in the Week 5 win against the New York Giants. McKinstry tallied 12 pass breakups and 14 forced incompletions, per Pro Football Focus. Both left him ranked No. 6 in the NFL among approximately 200 charted cornerbacks.
Staley sees both McKinstry’s on-field and off-field prowess as representations of his ability to step into a leadership role.
“Kool-Aid’s got a lot of natural leadership ability,” Staley said of his top cornerback. “He’s a ball guy in every sense, he really works at the game. People follow people that work the right way, and he’s improved a lot as a player. He’s poured a lot into his game, into his body, into his technique, and so I expect him to really shine in that way.”`
