Kevin King was one of the highest rated cornerbacks in the 2017 NFL Draft class and the Green Bay Packers were happy to take him with the first pick of the second round. After seeing their defense struggle in a big way last season, especially in the secondary, the Packers could not afford to pass on a talent like King.
Green Bay didn’t have an easy choice to make, with star Florida State running back Dalvin Cook also on the board. Despite considering Cook, the Packers knew that they could not afford to pass on an upgrade to their defense. King may not be the pick that every Packers fan wanted, but he is confident that he can win both the Packers and fans over with his performance.
“They’re getting a leader,” King said. “They’re getting a playmaker. Somebody they can trust. I’m ready to earn it.”
Kevin King to NFL Net on #Packers: "They're getting a leader. They're getting a playmaker. Somebody they can trust… I'm ready to earn it."
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) April 28, 2017
With the first pick in the 2nd round (33rd overall), the @packers select @UW_Football CB @King_kevvoo! #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/mcWJMihYwU
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2017
Needless to say, his confidence is a good sign for the Packers. At 6-foot-3, King has the physical ability to match up with the taller and more athletic wide receivers in the NFL. If King can work his way into his full potential, he will become the top corner in Green Bay and will be a Pro Bowler multiple times.
NFL.com’s Mike Mayock broke down King’s game and it looks to be a good breakdown if you’re a Packers’ fan.
“This young man is today’s NFL corner. His tape was really fun to watch. … I’m not sure his combine speed and his football speed are the real thing. But the single-high teams, the teams that play a lot of high free safety, are gonna love him. His ability to press and his ability to find the football are even better. … His best football is ahead of him.”
Last season at Washington, King recorded 44 total tackles to go along with two interceptions and 13 defended passes. Those numbers may not look as impressive as other defensive backs that have been taken, but the Packers obviously feel confident in his ability to develop into a star at the next level.
All of that being said, it will be interesting to see how King develops over the next couple years. He will likely be asked to play a role immediately in 2017 as a rookie and appears confident in his ability to rise to the task.
Do you think the Green Bay Packers made the right decision by drafting Kevin King? If not, who do you think they should have taken? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!
