The Green Bay Packers were an abysmmal 31st ranked passing defense in the 2016-2017 season. By drafting Kevin King, they hope to improve. Here are three ways King helps.

Former Washington Huskies cornerback Kevin King was a highly regarded defensive back entering the 2017 NFL Combine. He emerged as a potential first round talent. He nearly emerged in round one, as the Green Bay Packers selected the cornerback with the 33rd pick of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Why would the Packers entrust their need to improve on defense to the young Washington Huskies cornerback?

He’s that good.

Per NFL.com, football analyst Mike Mayock offered this analysis of Kevin King:

DRAFT ANALYSIS:

“This young man is today’s NFL corner. His tape was really fun to watch. … I’m not sure his combine speed and his football speed are the real thing. But the single-high teams, the teams that play a lot of high free safety, are gonna love him. His ability to press and his ability to find the football are even better. … His best football is ahead of him.” — Mike Mayock

Now that is fine praise indeed for a rookie cornerback. So how does King impact the Green Bay Packers defense? In three distinct ways:

Pass Defense I: Defend Taller Wide Receivers

Defense Toughness II: Thumper

Multiple Roles III: Versatility

Let’s explore each in depth.