Chicago Bears 2017 draft position profiles: Safeties
Desmond King, Iowa (5-foot-11, 203 pounds)
Many have King listed as a cornerback. He played a lot of corner with Iowa, but some (and I agree) feel he’s better suited as a free safety in the pros. As a corner, he lacks some of the athletic ability and the quick feet needed to be successful consistently.
King is a very aggressive hitter, and that helps him as a safety. He can ultimately play both corner and safety. Fangio can work with a player like King.
King wasn’t highly recruited coming out of high school. He had a few mid-major schools offering him scholarships, but none of the bigger schools. That was until Iowa came calling.
As a freshman, King recorded 69 tackles and 8 passes defended. In his sophomore season, he recorded 64 tackles, 5 passes defended and 3 interceptions. As a junior, he broke out, recording 72 tackles, 8 interceptions, and 13 passes defended. He also played special teams, where he averaged 14.2 yards per punt return and 24 yards per kickoff return. He won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back.
Many were surprised that King returned for his senior season. His season wasn’t as great as in his junior season. He recorded 58 tackles, 3 interceptions and 7 passes defended. He also played more games as a safety.
As I mentioned, King lacks the athletic ability that other players exhibit. He is, however, a very smart football player. He has great instincts and ball skills.
As a corner, King may just play in the slot. He could, however, be a very good free safety.
As a result of coming back to Iowa, King hurt his draft stock. I think he could go in the second round, or possibly the third. He will be a steal for any team that picks him up anywhere past the first round. Some have the Bears drafting him. If they do get him, he would be a great fit.