Packers fans will love Kalen King's emotional message after NFL Draft

At one stage, Penn State's Kalen King was considered a potential first-round pick. However, after a disappointing 2023 season followed by a tough road to the NFL Draft, he fell to the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round.

The Packers are banking on his upside. He will have an opportunity in Green Bay, and if he can get back to the level he was playing at in 2022, King could be one of the steals of the entire draft.

According to Pro Football Focus, King earned a 90.6 coverage grade in 2022, which ranked fourth among cornerbacks. That season, he broke up an incredible 18 passes and made three interceptions.

However, his performances declined dramatically last season. He struggled for consistency and made only two pass breakups, significantly hurting his draft stock. It was made worse by a disappointing performance at the NFL Combine. While he still earned a good 6.68 Relative Athletic Score, his 4.61-second 40-yard dash was a concern.

But landing King in Round 7 is tremendous value for the Packers. It's now over to the coaching staff to figure out how to help him regain the form that made him a potential first-rounder two years ago.

Based on King's first interview as a Packers player, he will give everything to achieve that.

Emotional Kalen King is determined to prove Packers right for drafting him

Having to wait until late in Round 7 to hear his name called was challenging for King. But it doesn't matter anymore. He got drafted and can use it as motivation to prove himself. King was emotional while speaking to the media after the draft. It sounded like he was holding back tears.

"This whole experience definitely was one of the toughest things I've had to endure in my life, but I feel like today was a blessing and a curse," said King. "Even though I didn't get drafted where I wanted to, I feel like God makes the right choice. Everything happens for a reason. I feel like I'm in a place where I'm supposed to be."

That's a great attitude to have. And it truly doesn't matter which round you get drafted in. Brock Purdy was Mr. Irrelevant two years ago but is now a Pro Bowl starting quarterback with a Super Bowl appearance.

What it can do is add extra motivation.

"I felt like it put a chip on my shoulder, a permanent chip on my shoulder that I gotta keep there," said King. "I felt like the Packers are going to get one of the most competitive guys in the country, a tough corner, physical corner who's going to give 100% effort around the field at all times."

Listening to this makes it even easier to root for King. He couldn't have asked for a better landing spot. The Packers always give opportunities to their late-round picks and undrafted free agents, and as the team's only draft pick at cornerback, King has a chance to make an impact.

Last year's seventh-round choice, Carrington Valentine, became a starter as a rookie. If King can get back to his best, he could follow a similar path.

The Packers could have landed one of the steals of the draft, and King will do everything he can to prove them right for giving him an opportunity.

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