The Green Bay Packers need their defense to step it up in 2019, and they're going to need cornerback Kevin King to stay healthy. The Packers drafted King 32nd overall back in 2017, and he's shown plenty of promise when he's been on the field.

Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to stay on the field. Through two pro seasons King has only been available for 15 games, making 11 starts. Last year he appeared in six games, all starts, and finished with an interception, 17 tackles, and two passes defended.

He missed time early on last year with a groin issue, then missed the end of the season with a hamstring injury. He has been banged up yet again this offseason, dealing with shoulder and hamstring issues. He has missed a lot of camp time, although GM Brian Gutekunst did offer a somewhat positive prognosis when speaking to reporters recently, via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.

When asked about King's Week 1 availability, Gutekunst said:

“You're concerned, right? Because he's not out there right now … I think he's getting close. He's obviously a very talented player who can help us.”

The “getting close” part sounds good, but Gutekunst doesn't seem overly optimistic either. King simply hasn't been able to stay healthy during his brief time in the NFL, and the missed time is surely stunting his development.

On paper, Green Bay's defense should be a lot better than it was last season. Assuming King can stay healthy during the regular season, he'll likely start at cornerback on the outside, opposite second-year stud Jaire Alexander.

Brian Gutekunst would be relieved if that can happen sooner rather than later.