Coach Has Bold Take On Green Bay Packers Kalen King

With the third to last pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected Penn State cornerback Kalen King. It was quite a fall from grace for King, who heading into the 2023 season was regarded as a first-round pick.

Before the 2023 campaign kicked off, Kalen King was in the running as arguably the best cornerback in the draft class. But, his production after a very strong 2022 campaign fell off a cliff and he tested poorly pre-draft.

That led to the slide down the board, as he was selected No. 255 out of 257 players who heard their name called. Being selected so late is motivating for King, who is going to have a chip on his shoulder because of his draft day slide.

Kalen King will now be spending the offseason program fighting for a spot on the Packers’ roster. The opportunity to make a name for himself is certainly there, as the team has a need opposite of Jaire Alexander in their defensive backfield.

In the opinion of Penn State associate head coach, cornerbacks coach and head defensive recruiting coordinator Terry Smith, Green Bay is getting quite a player. He had some major praise for King, who he believes will outperform the expectations of a regular seventh-round pick.

“Honestly, I think they may have gotten the biggest steal of the draft,” said Smith.

Playing opposite of 2023 second-round pick Joey Porter Jr., Kalen King thrived. He was one of the best playmakers in college football and the Green Bay Packers are hoping that he can return to that level of production in this pros.

“That was his very best season,” Smith said. “He played alongside Joey Porter [Jr.]. He was big-time. He showed what you guys are going to get.”

Watching 2023 seventh-round pick Carrington Valentine play his way onto the roster last season has to be a confidence boost for King. If he plays well, the Green Bay Packers coaching staff will notice it and reward him.