The Green Bay Packers successfully executed the transition out of the Aaron Rodgers era in 2023, putting together an impressive season in which they missed an NFC Championship appearance by just three points. A large reason why the Packers became the youngest team ever to win a playoff game was because of their competent drafting through the Brian Gutekunst era.
Since stepping into the general manager role for the Green Bay Packers, Gutekunst has drafted numerous star-caliber players like cornerback Jaire Alexander, edge rusher Rashan Gary, OL Elgton Jenkins, and Defensive Tackle Devonte Wyatt, as well as numerous promising players, particularly over the past drafts.
Even in the seventh round, the Packers have found impressive players. Most recently they found a budding starting cornerback, Carrington Valentine, in the seventh round of the 2023 draft. Much like the year previous, in 2024 the Packers approached the seventh round with a cornerback in mind.
Corner Back Kalen King Falls To The Seventh Round To The Green Bay Packers
Kalen King splashed onto the college football scene in following his rookie year in 2022. In that sophomore season, he flew up draft boards with an impressive 18 pass breakups and three interceptions in just nine starts. Unfortunately for King, he failed to find that ball production in his third and final collegiate season. In 2023 he started 12 games and only found two pass breakups, regardless, King was named to the second-team All-Big Ten Defense.
Despite the stall in production, the Green Bay Packers had him at too high of a grade to let him fall into the UDFA market.
With the 255th pick in the 2024 #NFLDraft, the #Packers select CB Kalen King from Penn State University!@amfam | #PackersDraft pic.twitter.com/qUdAr816YS
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) April 27, 2024
Kalen King Could Develop Into A Starter For The Green Bay Packers
Kalen King displayed impressive traits all throughout his collegiate career, although he is average at best in size and general athleticism. King showed the ability to create problems for receivers with his press release and make timely swipeaways, which pairs beautifully with his impressive game speed and open gait. He has demonstrated the ability to maneuver in space and meet running backs in the gap with intent, though lacking strength he fails to disengage from bigger blockers. King is also a very willing tackler who loves to fly downhill, though it will need to be paired with better technique and good coaching.
Kalen King leaves a lot of room to grow in the cerebral part of cornerback, failing to keep focus in crowded space and understanding what the quarterback is thinking. His change of direction fails him when engaging against double moves and his strength must be developed to survive against the power of the NFL. But given what King has demonstrated he can do it is surprising he slipped to the seventh round, though it seemed that this was exactly the spark King needed.
“It’s extremely motivating,” King said about his NFL Draft experience. “Not going where you thought you would go, seeing all the names being picked ahead of you, just enduring all that, seeing that and I felt like it put a chip on my shoulder, a permanent chip on my shoulder that I gotta keep there.”
“I felt like the Packers are going to get one of the most competitive guys in the country, a tough corner, physical corner who’s going to give 100% effort around the field at all times and make as many plays as I possibly can by doing it at 100%.”
If the Green Bay Packers are actually drafting such a competitive and talented prospect, there is a big chance King can develop into one of the best late-round players in the 2024 draft.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @tyesportswrite or Instagram @erictyeellison, follow us @WiSportsHeroics. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers. Go Pack Go. On Wisconsin. Fear The Deer. This Is My Crew.
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers players or alumni appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.
Radtke Sports
Wisconsin Sports Heroics is proud partner with Radtke Sports to offer autographed memorabilia. Brett Favre, Rob Gronkowski, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and MORE Guaranteed Authentic Collectibles and Memorabilia including signed jerseys, photos, and more at www.RadtkeSports.com USE promo code: WSH for FREE SHIPPING on your purchase. Some restrictions may apply
