2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Penn State CB Kalen King

2024 NFL Draft: Kalen King Draft Profile and Scouting Report

Kalen King burst onto the scene in 2022, after making nine starts in 13 appearances for the Nittany Lions. He led the Big Ten in passes defended and pass breakups, with each of those stats ranking 3rd nationally. The door is open for him to become a full-time starter in 2023, which should boost his draft stock tremendously.

Kalen King 40 Time

Projected 40 Time: 4.43 seconds

Kalen King is a three-year contributor at cornerback for the Penn State Nittany Lions. He’s seen significant playing time during his first two seasons, however, as a full-time starter in 2023, his level of play should be elevated. He possesses solid height and adequate weight for the defensive back position in the NFL. Our projected 40 time of 4.43 seconds is slightly quicker than the league average.

Kalen King is a patient defender at the line of scrimmage. His hand usage to press the receiver and establish leverage off the snap is effective. He doesn’t bite on a lot of fakes off the line of scrimmage, but rather reads and reacts upfield. Takes good angles towards the ball when attacking the ball carrier in space. Shows a very good ability to process quickly and attack the ball behind the line of scrimmage from medium range.

However, he does show an adequate ability to mirror receivers that possess shiftiness in space and quick change of direction. He can shoot over the receiver on crossing routes, leaving a side of the field wide open for the quarterback. When he’s engaged in coverage with a receiver or tight end downfield, he struggles to locate the ball or ball carrier from an intermediate range. He’s not as quick to read and diagnose against the run as he is versus the pass. Occasionally will wait an extra footstep or two before attacking the run. I would like to see him improve upon his tackling ability, especially in the open-field, to ensure that the ball carrier is brought to the ground.