DETROIT — A day after going big with 6-foot-6, 324-pound Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga in the first round, the New Orleans Saints went slightly smaller with their second-round selection of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Originally slotted with a 45th pick acquired via the Denver Broncos, the Saints sent picks 45, 168 and 190 to the Green Bay Packers to select Alabama cornerback Ga'Quincy ''Kool-Aid" McKinstry at No. 41.
At nearly six feet, 200 pounds, the NFL scouting report says the First-Team All-American brings balance, athleticism and rapid acceleration to the defensive secondary.
According to his prospect profile on NFL.com, McKinstry is described as more of a pure cover man than a playmaker, but his poise, intelligence and athleticism should lead him toward becoming a good outside corner with scheme versatility.
McKinstry started all 14 games for the Crimson Tide last season, and recorded 32 tackles – two for a loss – and seven pass breakups.
Saints quarterback – and tight end – Taysom Hill announced McKinstry's selection at the draft podium in Detroit Friday night just moments after head coach Dennis Allen made the call.
"Let's go to work, man," Allen told a joyously tearful McKinstry after asking if he was ready to be a member of the Saints.
Following his selection, McKinstry explained how his unique name came from his grandmother.
"The day I was born, she (grandma) said I had a Kool-Aid smile," the 21-year-old Birmingham native told media. "That's how I got the name Kool-Aid."
The Saints acquired the original 45th pick as a result of the Sean Payton trade that netted the team two future draft choices in exchange for the Super Bowl-winning head coach and a third-round pick this year.
The trade was due to the Saints still holding the rights to Payton through 2024 despite him leaving the team after 15 years following the 2021 season.
New Orleans used that 2023 first-round pick to draft Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (29th overall), who registered 24 tackles (12 solo), including 4.5 sacks, in 17 games with the Saints last season.
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