NFL Draft stock falling for Ex-Penn State football defender according to draft analyst

Former Penn State football star cornerback Kalen King had high expectations for the 2023 season. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to reproduce the same stat line from the previous year. In 2022, he led the Big Ten with 21 pass breakups and appeared in multiple 2024 NFL Mock Drafts as a first-round pick. But after a less-than-impressive 2023 season, King needed to bounce back at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. After wrapping up those events, NFL Draft analysts now believe King’s stock is rapidly falling and could end up being a Day 3 pick.

NFL Draft stock falling for Ex-Penn State football defender

Kalen King failed to meet expectations during the 2023 season. But to his credit defensive back is one of the most challenging positions to play in football. The former Penn State football star saw a dip in every major statistic in 2023.

During the 2022 season, King was one of the top defensive backs in the country, producing 30 tackles, three tackles for loss, 21 pass breakups, and three interceptions. Compared to this past season, where he accounted for 23 tackles, one tackle for loss, five pass breakups, and 0 interceptions.

On Friday evening, he participated in the NFL Combine to give his draft stock a boost. However, he might have actually damaged his stock even more after being outperformed by some of the top cornerbacks in the draft.

According to NFL Draft analyst Chad Reuter in his 2024 NFL Scouting Combine stock up/stock down, Day 2: “King could have used a strong combine showing to overcome an inconsistent junior season. Unfortunately, his 4.61 40 wasn’t what he needed, and his jumps didn’t separate him from the pack (37-inch vertical, 10-foot-2 broad). King showed fair hands and adequate movement during drills, but it’s tough for me to envision him going earlier than Day 3 of the draft.”

For comparison, the fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine for defensive backs came from former Clemson Tiger Nate Wiggins, who clocked in at 4.28.

Sauce Gardner shows support for King

While his life after Penn State football has not gone as planned so far, this is not the end for Kalen King. His physical gifts and techniques are still part of the player he will be at the next level. But don’t take it from me; listen to New York Jets star cornerback Sauce Gardner, who shared words of encouragement with Kalen King on social media.

Gardner wrote, “I was nervous at the combine too; it was quiet, all the teams & the whole world was watching me, and I was in my head thinking of all the “what if’s”… I already know you gon’ get in the league and dominate. Block all the noise out and get ready to ball.”

@KalenKing21__ I was nervous at the combine too; it was quiet, all the teams & the whole world was watching me, and I was in my head thinking of all the "what if's"… I already know you gon' get in the league and dominate. Block all the noise out and get ready to ball.

— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) March 1, 2024

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