Chargers select defensive back Desmond King in fifth round
By Travis Wakeman
Is he a safety or a cornerback? The Los Angeles Chargers will have options with their fifth-round pick, defensive back Desmond King out of Iowa.
To get a guy like this in the fifth round is a feather in the cap of general manager Tom Telesco. He had a third-round grade according to many analysts out there, including Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.
King is listed as a safety by most, but could play cornerback as well. His college career including many accolades including being given the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s best defensive back as well as the Big 10 defensive player of the year in 2015.
The Chargers got some real value with CB Desmond King in the 5th round. King has the ball skills and instincts… https://t.co/zF6qGCtbMG
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) April 29, 2017
He has great ball skills, logging 14 interceptions during his college career. He reads routes well and is a capable tackler, though he could use some work in that area.
After focusing on the offensive side of the ball during the first three rounds, the Chargers have used back-to-back picks to bolster the secondary.
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King is a player that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley can tinker with, finding out exactly what is the best role for him. He could also contribute on special teams, an area that has been lacking for years with this team.
Because he’s just 5’10” and doesn’t possess elite speed, moving him over to the free safety position at some point may be the best fit. Still, this is a solid pick for the fifth round.