​In this week’s CSC poll, we asked readers to weigh in on which defensive back they believe will be the New Orleans Saints’ best at the end of the season. After 160 votes, the contest boiled down to two clear contenders. Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry narrowly edged out safety Jonas Sanker, earning 41.3% of the vote.
McKinstry is poised to be the Saints’ top corner this year, which means all eyes will be on him as he faces a demanding slate of receivers, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Drake London, and Tetairoa McMillan, among others on the Saints’ schedule. Entering his third season, McKinstry was a second-round pick out of Alabama and is looking to build on a solid sophomore campaign that yielded his first three career interceptions. Since his rookie year, he has increasingly shouldered a larger role for New Orleans. The Saints traded Marshon Lattimore during McKinstry’s rookie season and also lost Alontae Taylor in the offseason, further elevating his responsibilities. While he can be beaten on occasion, his combination of talent and athleticism provides a strong foundation for him to emerge as a solid CB1 this season if everything falls into place.
Jonas Sanker enjoyed an impressive rookie year after being selected in the third round out of Virginia. He logged two interceptions and 80 total tackles across all 17 games. Sanker figures to continue developing, but the safety position is deeper and more crowded than the cornerback group. That depth could hinder his ability to stand out as much as someone like McKinstry, who is widely viewed as the Saints’ undisputed CB1 entering 2026.
Do you agree with this week’s results, or do you think Sanker or another defensive back will emerge as the Saints’ top DB in 2026? Share your thoughts and cast your vote.