Packers Defensive Coach Makes Eye-Catching Comment On Late-Round Pick

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Felipe Reis Aceti | Last updated May 19, 2025 6:30 PM ET

To many fans, it has been surprising how the Green Bay Packers have managed their cornerback room this offseason. Jaire Alexander’s future remains uncertain, though reports suggest that the two-time All-Pro cornerback and the team are negotiating a revised deal aimed at his return. Still, Alexander has missed 34 of Green Bay’s last 68 games, and there are no guarantees he will stay healthy moving forward.

Green Bay signed former Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs this offseason, but the depth at the position is still below average. The top two cornerbacks who are guaranteed roster spots next year are Hobbs and Keisean Nixon, and both have mainly played in the slot during their careers. Alexander is the only defensive back on Green Bay’s roster with reliable outside experience. If he does not return, the Packers will face a shortage of experienced options at outside corner.

Fortunately, the Packers are seeing encouraging progress from players within their building.

At last week’s media availability, Packers defensive passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley shared optimistic words about the development of seventh-round rookie Kalen King.

"I don't want to speak too soon, knock on wood, but he's looking really, really good out there," Ansley said.

"He's playing inside and out," Ansley added. "Kinda like the light has gone off for him and he looks more springy in his step. He's changed his body. His mind is at ease and he's just jumped into this thing full speed ahead, man. He's been very impressive and we've just got to continue to get that kind of day-to-day performance out of him."

Kalen King entered the 2023 college football season as a potential first-round pick. Still, his performance that year fell short of expectations, highlighted in particular by his struggles against Marvin Harrison Jr. The dip in play led to a slide down draft boards, and the Packers ultimately selected him in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

King has talent, and with Jeff Hafley’s strong track record of developing defensive backs, Green Bay may have landed a reliable depth piece who could grow into a starting role. Still, he faces a challenging road ahead as he works to return to the level of play he showed in 2022.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: