$80M worth Nick Saban picks his 'best football player in this draft' and it's not Kool-Aid McKinstry 

Former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban picked Michigan's standout defensive back Mike Sainristil as his top choice in the 2024 NFL draft. Despite the buzz around other prospects and one of Saban’s own favorites – Kool-Aid McKinstry – Sainristil caught Saban's eye with his performance during the College Football Playoff.

Mike Sainristil was selected by the Washington Commanders in the second round with the No. 50 pick. He boasts impressive stats including 232 interception return yards in 2023, earning recognition as a two-time captain and All-American at Michigan.

Saban gave his opinion about Sainristil on College GameDay:

“I love this guy. This guy may be the best football player, pound for pound in the draft," Saban said. "He's instinctive. He's physical. He can cover and he can tackle. He's tough. I just love the way this guy plays. Good blitzer. Killed us in our game [Rose Bowl] blitzing. Just killed us. He's a star."

ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit was also in agreement with Saban's sentiments. emphasizing Sainristil's multifaceted talents:

“"He can do so many different things, coach, you guys saw him first hand unfortunately. What a draft Washington is having. They're crushing it.”

Sainristil likely helped his draft stock with his athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine, including a 40-inch leap and 4.47-second time on the 40-yard dash.

What does Nick Saban say of Kool-Aid Mckinstry?

Nick Saban had some glowing words for Kool-Aid McKinstry, the talented cornerback drafted by the New Orleans Saints with the No. 41 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. McKinstry, a former All-America cornerback from Pinson Valley, caught Saban's attention with his football instincts and quick reactions on the field.

$80-million-worth Saban (as per Celebrity Net Worth) didn't hold back his praise for McKinstry during the ESPN College Gameday pregame show, becoming a fan of his exceptional football intuition, understanding of offenses and rapid responses in the secondary:

“He ran a good enough [40-yard dash] time. I thought it would move up the [draft] 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 I think that’s why he’s going to be a really, really good player, and probably more ready to play than anybody else,” Saban said.

As a two-time All-SEC pick and a first-team All-American in 2023, McKinstry's college career stats include 93 tackles, 23 pass breakups and two interceptions.