Chargers cornerback Desmond King was one of the league’s best nickel cornerbacks during the 2018 season. But it appears that King wants to be known as one of the better defenders in the secondary as a whole.
According to NBC San Diego’s Fernando Ramirez, King is working on adding more versatility to his game by learning the outside corner and free safety position.
King, the 2015 Jim Thorpe Award winner, primarily played on the outside for the Iowa Hawkeyes. The lack of size and long speed pushed him inside as a slot corner for the Chargers after he was selected in the fifth-round of the 2017 NFL draft.
Prior to being drafted, many thought that King was best suited as a safety in a two-deep or single-high role where he could be use his ball skills, instincts and competitive nature to flourish.
The 24-year old cornerback’s ability to play against the pass or run has been a big part of the defense’s success. Even though he’s primarily played inside through two seasons, King would be able to thrive as a defensive chess piece if needed, similar to safety Adrian Phillips.
Defensive backs coach Ron Milus has done a great job at training the defensive backs to learn other positions in case someone were to go down due to an injury.
In 2018, the Michigan native had 61 combined tackles (47 solo), 10 passes defensed, three interceptions (one touchdown) and two forced fumbles. He was rated the second-best cornerback, according to Pro Football Focus.
King also emerged as the Bolts’ primary return man on special teams. He returned 23 punts for 318 yards and a touchdown along with 22 kick returns for 522 yards.
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