The Green Bay Packers recently added depth to their defensive secondary by selecting Kalen King, a cornerback from Penn State, in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft. Despite a disappointing 2023 season that led to a dip in his draft stock, the Packers have high hopes of developing King into the player he was during his standout 2022 campaign.

During his sophomore year, King emerged as one of the best coverage players in college football. He broke up an impressive 21 passes, intercepted three others, and garnered All-American honors. His performance on the field led many to consider him a potential first-round pick in the future.

However, the cornerback position proved to be a volatile one for King. In his final college season, he struggled to replicate his previous success, recording just two passes defended. He also faced difficulties against tough opponents like Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr.

Despite these challenges, King possesses several attractive qualities that caught the attention of NFL teams. He is described as a fluid athlete with an aggressive playing style. However, his tackling, coverage spacing, and decision-making can be inconsistent, resulting in volatility within his game.

King's size and speed are considered average for an NFL cornerback, and he will need to continue to improve his functional strength to match up against bigger and more physical receivers. He has shown great agility and quickness, but his long speed is seen as below average, making it challenging to keep up with elite athletes.

In addition to his coverage skills, King has also proven himself as a capable run defender. He displays good play recognition and reacts quickly, utilizing his speed and agility to beat blocks. However, his below-average strength can sometimes hinder him when facing larger blockers.

Analysts have suggested that King may possess the qualities to transition to a safety position in the NFL. By doing so, his average athleticism could be mitigated, allowing him to excel as a route processor, playmaker, and a strong presence in run support. Alternatively, he could still find success as a versatile depth piece in a defensive secondary, particularly in schemes that rely more on off-man and zone coverages.

The Packers, impressed by King's potential, used their seventh-round pick to secure his services. Although he is no longer considered a first-round prospect, King's versatility, instincts, and strong work ethic make him an intriguing prospect who could develop into a starter in the NFL after a few years.

The Packers, known for their ability to develop talent on the defensive side of the ball, will now have the opportunity to work with King and help him regain the form he displayed during his standout 2022 season. If successful, Green Bay could potentially add another strong playmaker to their already formidable defensive unit.

With training camp around the corner, the Packers and their fans eagerly await the chance to see Kalen King in action and assess his progress as he aims to make his mark in the NFL.