The Pittsburgh Steelers are doing plenty of homework on the defensive backs class at the NFL Combine and have spent time getting to know another potential draft pick out of Penn State.
Last year, they used their second-round pick, No. 32 overall, to select cornerback Joey Porter Jr. This year, they've made sure to keep an eye on some of his teammates, informally meeting with Kalen King.
King is looking to be the next big Penn State defensive back to make it to the NFL and is using the lessons from his old teammate and current Steelers star to help make the most of his time at the NFL Combine.
"I talked to him about this process many times before actually being here," King said on Porter Jr. "I talk to him all the time, so he was definitely giving me tips on what to expect, what to expect, what do to, what not to do - things of that nature."
This isn't the first time Porter Jr. has helped King, though. The defensive backs spent two years together as Nittany Lions, and Porter's impact made a lasting impression on the next NFL Draft-hopeful.
"Joey's my dog. He was my guy for sure," King said. "Ever since I stepped on campus, I seen Joey and the type of guy he was and the way he approached the game. I feel like I was almost like a sponge to him. I made sure I was always around him, I'm always asking questions, always taking bits and pieces that he used and try to implement it in my game."
King is hoping to find his way to the NFL level and is expected to be a Day 2 pick in the NFL Draft. With a connection to their secondary, the Steelers could be a team to watch.
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