NFL

2017 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting What Could Happen in the First Round

Joe Redemann  —  @TheIDPGuy Mar 3rd, 2017
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30. Steelers: Desmond King, Cornerback

Top Needs: TE, ILB, OLB, CB

The Pittsburgh Steelers are an aging team in transition with defensive needs. They were 12th-worst Adjusted Defensive Passing NEP per play ranking this year, and need an elite zone cornerback to bring them back. Iowa’s Desmond King fits the bill.

King doesn’t have prototypical lockdown corner height, but he’s thick and tenacious in his pass defense. He jams well at the line of scrimmage, and will win by jarring opposing wideouts more than fluidly mirroring them. His stockiness gives him a good physical base, but the athleticism lags a bit because of this. Still, his instincts and intelligence are ridiculously high and high-points the ball well for his size.

King played 94 percent of Iowa’s defensive snaps over the last four years as a full-time starter from day one. He parlayed that and his incredible anticipation into an average 3.5 interceptions over his college career, along with 8.3 average passes defended, and a whopping 65.8 tackles per season.

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