Like the urban legend quip about film legend Chuck Norris, the NFL draft never sleeps. It simply waits to pounce when you least expect it.
That’s the case with the latest 2024 mock draft from ESPN. Draft analyst Jordan Reid waited until the midsummer doldrums to unleash his latest set of projections for the coming year’s draft. It’s a projection that hits hard for the Detroit Lions.
Reid projects the Lions to select Penn State cornerback Kalen King. The speedy, savvy King is at his best with the ball in the air, a trait the Lions are always looking for. But it’s where he’s projected to come off the board to Detroit that also draws a warm smile.
The projected selection comess at No. 25 overall. To pick there, it means the Lions will have won a playoff game. That’s something that has been missing in action since 1991.
King is the type of talent who can help sustain Detroit breaking the code of postseason silence. Here’s what Reid had to say about the Nittany Lions playmaker,
Emmanuel Moseley, C.J.Gardner-Johnson and Jerry Jacobs (restricted free agent) are all only under contract for 2023, which means cornerback could quickly climb the Lions’ list needs. King is one of my favorite players to watch on tape — he is an easy mover. At 5-foot-11 and 188 pounds, he will be labeled as undersize for some teams, but he reminds me of Denzel Ward as a prospect because of his ability to blanket receivers and slam throwing windows shut. He finished last season with 15 pass breakups, tied for fifth best in the FBS. It should not be surprising if King catapults up into the top half of the first round by next spring — or even ends up the first player selected at the position.
