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Dallas Cowboys 2017 Draft: Five Cornerback Prospects

By Ronald Smith

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2015; Evanston, IL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) intercepts a pass intended for Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Christian Jones (14) during the first quarter at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Evanston, IL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) intercepts a pass intended for Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Christian Jones (14) during the first quarter at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Desmond King, CB – Iowa

Strengths

The first thing about King that should stand out to any fan of America’s Team is his 14-career interceptions.  His tape backs up those numbers; he is a defensive back that tracks and attacks the ball in the air.  The Iowa cornerback has good hands too, often high pointing the ball and snagging it with his hands.

Once King has the ball in his hands he has the athletic ability to not only make decent returns, but he can get to the end zone.  He displays this same ability on special teams as a punt and kick returner, adding value to his stock.

The Iowa Hawkeye plays very well in zone due to his knack for reading the quarterback and breaking on the ball.  King is very aware and confident when he can see the play in front of him.  This awareness also allows him to be efficient as a nickel back in the slot when needed.

One of the more fundamentally sound tacklers in the draft; usually going for a sure wrap up tackle as opposed to the kill shot.  King isn’t afraid to mix it up with blockers and does a good job keeping contain on the edge.

Weaknesses

He’s not exactly a speedster and could probably struggle with make-up speed if he gets beat at the next level.  He isn’t as long as some of the other corners either so he could really struggle one on one against the better wide receivers in the NFL, which is why he should be in a zone scheme.

Outlook for the Dallas Cowboys

There is a lot of talk about whether or not he would make a better safety in the NFL.  I for one think it would be wise, assuming he could add a little weight to his frame.  He is a very sound tackler who is at his best with the play in front of him; textbook safety.

Projecting him is difficult because he probably slides some due to the questions about whether or not he is a corner in the league.  Then on the other hand his return ability bodes well for him.  Verdict?  If he is there in the second round snag him and figure it out, he is a playmaker on the side of the ball that Dallas sorely lacks playmakers.

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