Kalen King, a cornerback from Penn State, had high expectations heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, with many predicting he would go in the top three rounds. However, a rough season caused his draft stock to plummet, and he ended up being selected by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round. Despite the disappointment, King is motivated to prove his doubters wrong and has a permanent chip on his shoulder to drive him forward.
During his sophomore season in 2022, King was a second-team All-American with impressive stats, leading the Big Ten in passes defensed and earning first-team all-Big Ten honors. He was also named a first-team preseason All-American last fall but struggled to perform at the same level during the 2023 season, finishing with no interceptions and only two pass breakups. Despite this decline, the Packers have high hopes for King’s potential and are eager to see him excel on the field.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst acknowledged that it’s not always clear why certain players fall in the draft process, but he is confident that selecting King was a good decision. Despite running a mediocre 40-yard dash time, King ranked well among cornerbacks in production score and total score at the NFL Combine. His draft experience was challenging, waiting until the 255th pick to be selected, but if he can harness that frustration and turn it into motivation on the field, both he and the Packers could benefit greatly from his determination.
King views his draft experience as humbling and plans to use it as fuel to prove his capabilities on the field. He is determined to silence the doubters and show the world what he is capable of achieving. With a competitive spirit, physical play, and a commitment to giving his all on the field, King is focused on making plays and proving his worth to the Packers organization. Despite the challenges he faced leading up to the draft, King is prepared to showcase his skills and make a significant impact as he enters this new chapter of his football career.
The Packers believe that King’s determination and competitiveness make him a valuable addition to their team, and they are eager to see him thrive in their system. With the potential to elevate his game and prove himself as a talented player, King has the opportunity to make a name for himself in the NFL and establish himself as a force to be reckoned with. His perseverance and work ethic are qualities that the Packers value, and they are hopeful that King will exceed expectations and become a standout player on their roster. As he embarks on this new journey with the Packers, King is focused on seizing the opportunity and showcasing his abilities on the field.
