Chicago Bears 2017 draft profile: Desmond King could provide versatility
The Chicago Bears suffered injuries in the secondary that hurt their chances at winning games. Desmond King can step in and help the unit in multiple positions.
The Chicago Bears‘ secondary is a sore spot for them. In 2016, that unit got hit hard with the injury bug. Things got so bad that at one point they had rookie free agents STARTING games for them.
Cornerback Desmond King (5-foot-11, 210 pounds) is a player who can help the team in multiple positions. He plays corner, safety, and kickoff and punt returns. The name of the game in today’s NFL is versatility, and King fits that description perfectly.
King was among the elite defensive backs since his freshman season. He burst onto the scene, recording a Big-Ten leading 69 tackles and 8 passes defended. He continued his success the next season, recording 64 tackles, 5 passes defended and 3 interceptions.
In 2015, King put it all together. He recorded 72 tackles, 8 interceptions and 13 passes defended. He won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s best defensive back. Many thought he’d declare for the draft, but he decided to return for his senior season. In 2016, he recorded 58 tackles, 3 interceptions and 7 passes defended. For the most part, opposing offenses decided to consistently stay away from him.
While King showed excellent ball skills, his position in the NFL is probably at safety. He does not possess the elite speed needed to keep up with NFL receivers. He got away with it in college, but the NFL is a different case altogether.
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King will fit in at safety very well. While his speed isn’t elite, his instincts are. He has a nose for the football. He is a physical player who plays aggressively. Usually, when you see young aggressive players, they sometimes find themselves out of position.
Conversely, King’s high football IQ helps him be in the right position and uses proper tackling technique to finish off the play.
King plays especially well in zone. In zone coverage, he can utilize his great instincts. While he won’t be a full-time cornerback, he has the speed and quickness to play in the slot.
King is a football junkie. There are some good (or great) players in the league who don’t have that love. King isn’t one of them. He lives to be on the field, and he plays with a high motor on every snap.
With the cornerback class being so deep, and with King’s projection more as a safety, his stock may not be as high as it should be. He could be available in the second or even third round.
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With the Chicago Bears also having a need for a return man, King would be a perfect addition to this roster. Additionally, his style of play will make him a certain fan favorite.