Packers: 2017 draft class will lead turnaround on defense

Kevin King

King becoming a true #1 CB can have a domino effect throughout the defense.

King showed a lot of potential last year. Although an injury to his shoulder cut his rookie season short, he still flashed potential of a lockdown corner. His size and speed alone will help him hold up against NFL receivers. But King also showed physical play that can make him a difference maker. He made sure tackles and cut down runners in the flat on swing passes, all while playing solid press man that new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine prefers.

If King can make good on that potential and turn it into results, one side of the field will be taken care of, allowing the returning Tramon Williams and Davon House to play complementary roles and provide veteran depth that better suits their play at this point in their careers. If King develops the way the coaches hope, the Williams and House signings become the type of moves championship teams make.

Also, should that first-round pick be a DB, he then won’t have the pressure to produce right away and can grow into the role organically. They won’t be asked to line up against #1 receivers and can be brought along at their pace. And if that pick is ready to go from Week 1, it will only make the defense all the better.