Round 7: Kalen King CB - PSU

[ReasonablySober]

Very nice.

[Matches Malone]

Got a boundary corner. His junior tape was way better than last year, but at 255 can't complain.

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[ReasonablySober]

STRENGTHS: Solid athleticism to maintain his stride on vertical patterns … short-area movements are loose and balanced … steady eyes to sort out route combinations and switch off receivers in zone … tracks the football well in the air, with the coordination to arrive at the catch point in a timely manner (led the Big Ten in passes defended in 2022) … quick to read run and looks fearless driving downhill … tenacious mentality to mug receiver s, get off blocks or unload at the catch point to dislodge the football … has developed the relentless self-confidence to bounce back from negative reps … described as “super competitive” and “coachable” by Penn State head coach James Franklin … experienced on kick and punt coverages (222 special -teams snaps).

WEAKNESSES: Average-framed and will have a tough time matching NFL size and strength … below-average top-end speed and lacks a secondary burst when the ball is in the air (his 1.95 “flying 20” was the worst among all cornerbacks who ran the 40-yard dash at the combine) … his jam technique is wild and unrefined … too reactive in coverage and needs to develop his route anticipation … overaggressive tendencies lead to excessive contact (calle d for pass interference or holding three times in 2023) … inconsistent sink and technique as a tackler, especially in space … ball carriers have no trouble running through his arm tackles … limited experience as a slot defender … disappointing 2023 season, as he struggled against the best opponents on his schedule (Ohio State, Maryl and, Michigan).

SUMMARY: A two-year starter, King was an outside cornerback in former Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz’s split-coverage scheme. He put himself on the NFL radar with a standout 2022 season (No. 3 in the FBS with 21 passes defended) and looked like a future first-round pick. However, cornerback is a volatile position, and King’s 2023 tape exemplified that. He managed just two passes defended in his final college season (although, he saw fewer targets) and struggled against the top opponents on his schedule, most notably in a tough matchup again Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. Growing up with a twin who shared the same passion for football meant King had a lifelong competitor, which helped develop his tenacity and toughness. Though he is a springy athlete, his twitch can be negated by below-average long speed and underdeveloped route anticipation versus savvy receivers. Overall, King is a fluid athlete with the aggressive play personality desired for the position, but his inconsistent tackling, coverage spacing and feel for when to take chances will continue to result in volatility in his game. He is viewed as a possible safety candidate by several NFL teams.
GRADE: 5th-6th Round

Might have gone much higher had he come out last year.

[MVP2110]

There 2 7th round picks are my 4th & 5th favorite picks

[TroyD92]

Seems like a guy who had a really bad year and tanked his stock. Hopefully he can rebound!

[Matches Malone]

Seems like a guy who had a really bad year and tanked his stock.

Pretty much lol

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[Matches Malone]

Sounds like Reed is a big fan.



Sauce too

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[Frank Nova]

So does anyone have a clue why the big drop off between 2yrs ago and last year with King? I just saw he was 2nd team all Big Ten last year and his production was way down across the board. 3 picks and 18pbu in 2022, 0 picks and 2pbu in 2023, was the 2nd team all conference just a name sake? Was he not targeted that often? I get the the slow 40 time, 4.61 is pretty slow for a CB so there’s pause there. But to fall off a cliff production is weird to me. I’m having a hard time wrapping my brain around that.

[ReasonablySober]

So does anyone have a clue why the big drop off between 2yrs ago and last year with King? I just saw he was 2nd team all Big Ten last year and his production was way down across the board. 3 picks and 18pbu in 2022, 0 picks and 2pbu in 2023, was the 2nd team all conference just a name sake? Was he not targeted that often? I get the the slow 40 time, 4.61 is pretty slow for a CB so there’s pause there. But to fall off a cliff production is weird to me. I’m having a hard time wrapping my brain around that.

He was playing opposite Joey Porter Jr in 2022. Teams were throwing his way more often.

[Profound23]

Sounds like Reed is a big fan.



Sauce too

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Maybe we can get Sauce to join him in GB in two years?

[RiotPunch]

Very likable kid, rooting for him hard. Hope he is a diamond in the rough.