The Green Bay Packers are getting one of their crucial members to their defense back at a perfect time.
Following their practice on Monday, first-year head coach Matt LaFleur seemed thrilled to get cornerback Kevin King back on the field.
Matt LaFleur on #Packers CB Kevin King: “I thought Kevin‘s looked really good. Glad to have him back. He’s a special talent.”
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) September 2, 2019
The Packers selected King with the 33rd overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft to bolster their secondary. Over the past two seasons, the University of Washington product has flashed his upside but injuries have hindered his development.
King has started in 11 games in the last two years and has accumulated 44 tackles, seven pass deflections, a fumble recovery, and an interception. The third-year cornerback has been recovering from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for the majority of training camp.
This year, Green Bay is hoping that King can remain on the field to improve their pass defense that recorded just seven interceptions in 2018 (tied for second-least in the NFL). Besides King, the Packers are excited with what they have with Jaire Alexander at cornerback, too. Depending on King's health, the Packers could have a formidable defensive-back duo for years to come.
Along with their cornerbacks, Green Bay signed Adrian Amos and drafted Darnell Savage to improve the backend of their defense. The pass-rushing unit also underwent an overhaul with the team spending money to sign Preston Smith and Za'Darius Smith.
Since LaFleur has been hired, he has surprisingly focused on improving the defensive side of the ball primarily. When you have Aaron Rodgers on offense, that isn't a bad idea.
The potential of the Packers defense could lie within the health of King entering his third season with the team. Luckily, he has made his way back onto the practice field and he could be ready for Green Bay's Week 1 bout against the Chicago Bears on Thursday.
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