Green Bay Packers 2018 roster preview: Kevin King
What to expect from Green Bay Packers second-year cornerback Kevin King in 2018.
The Green Bay Packers’ top draft pick a year ago, it’s a big season for cornerback Kevin King.
King’s rookie season was cut short due to injury, but he played well up to that point.
The second-year cornerback must now learn a new scheme with Mike Pettine taking over as defensive coordinator. More importantly, he needs to stay healthy.
2017 stats
Playing in just nine games, King made 28 tackles and five pass defenses, but failed to make an interception.
2017 review
What was clear in 2017 was that King has potential. He made a number of good plays when healthy, but he was dealing with a shoulder issue for much of the season. Eventually, the Packers had no choice but to place him on season-ending injured reserve. It was bad news for the entire defense.
Odds of making roster: 100 percent
King will be arguably the most important cornerback on the roster this year. While many will be watching rookies Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson closely this season, King will be key to the defensive turnaround.
2018 preview
If King can make a second-year jump, the entire Packers defense will benefit. King will be hoping to build on a solid rookie season and earn a starting job in Mike Pettine’s defense.
But first, the 23-year-old must get healthy and stay on the field.
King has been limited at practice so far this offseason, but the hope is he’ll have no restrictions when training camp begins in little over five weeks.
King will be one of the top players to watch at training camp. It’s been a long time since he last played, so it may take some time to get back up to full speed.
But unlike last year, he now has competition for playing time. Returning veterans Tramon Williams and Davon House, as well as the Packers’ top two draft picks, Alexander and Jackson, will all be competing for starting jobs.
King will need to quickly get familiar with Pettine’s scheme. While he’ll be able to learn a lot off the field while he recovers from his shoulder injury, only by practicing in full will be able to fully prepare for the new season.
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If King can stay healthy and build on last year, the Green Bay Packers will be thrilled with their improving, young cornerback room.