Penn State’s Kalen King Lacks ‘Every Down’ NFL Starting Potential

Penn State cornerback Kalen King has emerged as a potential first-round pick with several other cornerback prospects.

His coverage versatility is intriguing, but factors such as his small size and reaction time are far more concerning.

King was rated a 4-star recruit by 247 Sports and gained interest from multiple Power 5 schools. However, he eventually committed to Penn State.

2023 Review:

King continued to showcase his versatility at the backend of the defense but there was a decline in his stats from 2022 to 2023. He totaled 29 tackles (20 solo), 2 PBU’s (Pass Break Ups) and no interceptions this past season.

That was an epic drop-off.

To put it into perspective ⎯King logged 30 tackles (23 solo), 18 PBU’s, and 3 interceptions.

Did you see the difference?

One worrisome aspect is that he had major setbacks against tougher competition including Marvin Harrison Jr., who exploited his limitations in coverage.

Can King perform up to standard against top-notch competition at the next level?

Overview: Kalen King

5-Foot-11, 191 Pounds

40 Time: 4.50 (nfldraftbuzz.com)

Level of Competition: High

Draft Projection: First-Round Grade by 59.4% of NFL Draft Platforms as of January 19, 2024 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Colton Edwards Grade: Third-Round

2022 Film Evaluated: Michigan and Ohio State

2023 Film Evaluated: Iowa, Ohio State, and West Virginia

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report:

A true ball hawk cornerback with an ability to track and anticipate the ball’s trajectory of location. Demonstrates a good blend of agility and speed that allows him to close on passes and make a play on the ball. His footwork and agility allow for smooth transitions when mirroring receivers and his quick-twitch abilities help him match up well in man coverage. He displays good read-and-react ability in zone coverage, showcasing his route recognition and skills to switch effectively. In man coverage, he displays patience and consistent hand placement, allowing him to work against receivers and stay on their hips. In terms of press-man coverage, he displays good fluidity, athleticism, and hip-to-hip tracking. He plays with aggressiveness in run support, attacking downhill and forcing plays back inside.

Weaknesses: A true concern for most is King’s average size- lacking mass and length. Hesitant in initial movements, leading him to have major recovery steps. On top of that, he tends to get his eyes stuck in the backfield due to a lot of motion, making him vulnerable to opponents with shifts, motions, and illusionary routes. His reaction to the snap is slow. This can cause him to lose track of the receiver, but it also hinders his ability to recover. Occasionally loses balance or becomes too high up at the stem of routes. Often overpowered against bigger receivers due to his lack of strength. Inconsistent transitions, lack of balance and penalties are concerning.

Summary:

A scheme-diverse corner with a great competitive edge that has a chance to make an immediate impact. His diagnostic skills in coverage and read-react ability make him a valuable asset on the defensive side of the ball. Would prefer him as a press-man/slot corner over being an every-down, corner-one for a defense. King has a well-rounded skill set but his concerning traits backend himself into day two of the 2024 NFL draft.

Who will he remind us of?

Green Bay Packers cornerback David Long Jr. who is a former third-round pick (2019) who started in Super Bowl LVI for the Rams and is currently on the Packers’ Practice Squad.

Colton just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science at the United States Sports Academy. He has previous coaching experience as a former offense and defensive line coach at a local high school. While performing those duties, he also worked at PFF(Pro Football Focus) for a brief moment of time. He currently develops scouting reports here at firstroundmock.com. His aspirations are to become an NFL Scout/GM in the future.