Ourlads' Profile:
2017 Guide: What Ourlads' NFL Scouting Services said about DESMOND KING: Iowa, 5101 206 4.55. Four-year starter from Detroit, MI. Consensus All-America and recipient of the Jim Thorpe Award as the top defensive back in the country in 2015. The versatile and physical King can play both cornerback and safety, depending on a ball club’s defensive scheme. Has good foot control in press situations. Fluid hips and the ability to match stride lengths in trail technique. Patient in press situations, smooth transitions in off coverages. Has the lateral ability and awareness to stay square versus double moves in press. Smooth back pedal. Makes an impact weekly in the run game. Very aggressive. Quick to react. Excellent lower body balance and strength. Has a nose for the ball and has proven he’s a playmaker. Wide receiver-caliber ball skills. Will contribute as a punt returner. Shorter than ideal with short arms. The farther in space he gets the more he struggles. Needs to be more disciplined with his hands. Opposing offenses avoided throwing him the ball in 2016 for the most part, hence the drop in production. However, he will be one of the most versatile defensive backs in this class. Can play a Cover 2 cornerback role with his ability to anticipate and react. If a team wants to roam him as a safety, he has enough physical presence and versatility on coverage to more than hold his own. The lack of ideal size and speed can limit him, but this kid is a playmaker who will help much more often than a hurt a defense. Senior Bowl notes: A good technique athlete who plays with smarts, awareness, and good instincts. A physical player who has a good press technique. Stays in phase with the wide receiver. Doesn’t open his hips too early. A top notch tackler. Very good ball skills with the ability to track and locate the ball. Good hands to pluck ball at the high point. Has short arms and questionable long speed. 2016 stats: 58 T, 1 FF, 3 INT, 7 PBU, 1055 return yards. BTR:left 4.61, right 4.68. Second/third round. (A-31 1/8, H-9 5/8, VJ-34, SS-4.20).