Kevin King, CB, Washington: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

The 2017 NFL draft has a chance to become the Year of the Cornerback based on the sheer talent involved. Is Kevin King deserving of that honor?

Position:  CB

School:  Washington

Year:  Senior

Height:  6’3″

Weight:  190 lbs

STRENGTHS:

• The size and length are obvious advantages in press situations. He can match up with big receivers without any issue and is able to play physical with them.
• Does a good job of flipping his hips to turn and run. Not overly stiff in his transition shows the kind of athleticism to stop and start quickly.
• Plays tight coverage but demonstrates subtle enough hand use to where he can get away with it without drawing too many flags. An important quality.
• A pair of big hands that have flashed some impressive ball skills when he’s able to get a bead on passes his way. It’s difficult and dangerous to throw his way in congested areas.
• Shows proper technique on deep throws by turning to get his head around and track the football. Both giving him interception chances and also avoiding penalties.

Much of what King does best is on display here. He’s up in the grill of the receiver and does a good job of engaging within five yards of the line of scrimmage. He never gets too grabby. At the same time he has his eyes focused on the football at all times. Then as it comes in he’s able to disengage and get his long arm up and big hand on the ball, leading to the highlight reel interception. That’s classic man coverage play at its best.

• Capable blitzer off the edge. Shows solid acceleration and times the snap well to where he often is able to get a free shot at the backfield.
• Shows a consistent ability to stay in the hip pocket of receivers on vertical routes and is rarely beaten soundly. Passes usually must be dead on to get past him.

WEAKNESSES:

• Speed is going to be a big question mark with him. Long corners tend not to have much of it, which means he might be at a disadvantage against quick receivers or vertical threats.
• Never appears overly enthusiastic about sticking his nose in tackling situations. Shows poor technique and a general lack of physicality, often leading to bad angles and attempts.
• Could stand to be more aggressive. Often when presented with chances to stop screens or runs for short gains, he’s content to set the edge and let teammates clean it up.
• Despite his sizable frame more physical receivers are often able to have success blocking him on running plays. He struggles to disengage.
• Doesn’t have a feel for zone coverage. Lacks awareness in space. His calling will be centered around his ability to play tight press.

Pro Comparison:  Sean Smith

There aren’t many 6’3″ cornerbacks in the NFL so this was an easy comparison. Like the Raiders starter King is at his best when allowed to play up tight on the line of scrimmage. He doesn’t produce a ton of takeaways but also doesn’t give receivers much room to operate. He’ll likely be the corner teams put on the bigger receiving targets of an opponent.

Projection:  3rd Round

King has a ton of upside thanks to his physical ability and already polished game but there are still holes that make one pause. The long speed remains a question as does his overall lack of productivity. Some team will get him later on Day 2 and likely make him their #2 boundary corner who will quietly frustrated the #2 wide receiver of every opponent.