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NFL Draft Stock Report: Pumphery the Forgotten Man in Heisman Race

By George Stockburger

Oct 21, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) runs for a second quarter touchdown against the San Jose State Spartans at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) runs for a second quarter touchdown against the San Jose State Spartans at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) returns a punt against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) returns a punt against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Down: Desmond King, CB, Iowa

Last seasons Jim Thorpe award winner Desmond King struggled to contain #12 Penn State’s offense on Saturday. On Penn State’s opening drive, King was caught looking across the field rather than the receiver he was lined up against. Saeed Blacknall burned King for a 19-yard touchdown in the back of the endzone as a result of King’s mistake.

Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; A general view of Beaver Stadium during the third quarter between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Penn State defeated Ohio State 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; A general view of Beaver Stadium during the third quarter between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Penn State defeated Ohio State 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /

King’s height (5’10) challenged him all night against the Nittany Lions, who scored 41 points in prime time. Receivers such as Chris Godwin, who is about five inches taller, were able to take advantage of King’s shortcomings on 50/50 balls down the field.

With only one interception this year, teams are weary of King’s future as an NFL cornerback. Had he left for the NFL last season after recording eight picks, he would have been a first round pick.

Now teams are seeing less production thanks to his frame, lack of closing speed, and average ability to play in man coverage. He will be much better suited in a defense that relies more on zone coverage than straight man to man.

Next: College Football Week 10: 5 biggest overreactions

Keep an eye on King in the early second round in this upcoming NFL Draft. It will take a certain kind of team, perhaps one not desperate for a corner and taking the best player available. If he can be slowly worked in and mentored, the Hawkeye has a chance to succeed at the next level.

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