Green Bay Packers rookie quarterback Kalen King, selected in the seventh round of the draft, is doing what every teenage undrafted player has to do to make the 53-man roster: taking advantage of opportunities.
King intercepted Jordan Love early in training camp while running with the starting defense. The former Penn State star made an impressive tackle in the open field in the preseason opener. On Tuesday, King added a sack and another interception in 11-on-11 play.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur believes there is a connection between opportunity and playmaking when it comes to King, the 255th pick in the 2024 draft.
“He’s just really instinctive. He’s a really good football player,” LaFleur said Wednesday. “The more opportunities he gets, the more he seems to come in and make plays.”
The Packers are fielding King in the slot, where LaFleur believes the rookie has natural ability. Playing inside also helps mask some of King’s straight-line speed limitations that contributed to his downfall in the draft.
Last Saturday against the Browns, King recognized a miniature pass flat and made a devastating attack in the open field on a miniature gain. Physicality has been King’s asset this summer.
A year after selecting Carrington Valentine, is it possible the Packers have found another seventh-round cornerback asset?
King’s work — an All-American at Penn State as a sophomore — is far from over. The Packers have a deep cornerback roster, and King might not be ranked higher than No. 6 or No. 7 on the depth chart. The top four are largely set: Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Valentine and Keisean Nixon. King is battling with Corey Ballentine, Robert Rochell and Gemon Green for the final roster spot at the position.
Opportunity shouldn’t be an issue over the next two weeks. The Packers have a joint practice and preseason game with the Denver Broncos this week and a joint practice and preseason game with the Baltimore Ravens next week.
If King continues to play well and gets more opportunities, it will be tough for the Packers to keep him off the 53-man roster heading into Week 1.
