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Washington Redskins 2016 Draft Profiles: Deon King, ILB

Hogs Haven takes a look at NFL draft prospects that could contribute to the Redskins.

By Aaron Lesher

Deon King, LB
School: Norfolk State | Conference: Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 230 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 7th Round - FA
NFL Comparison: Brock Coyle

College Statistics

Player Overview

Deon King was a completely unheard-of draft prospect in the media until a few weeks ago when it was announced he was visiting a dozen or so NFL teams to interview and work out, including the Washington Redskins. A native of Reston, Virginia, King played for tiny Norfolk State where during 2015 he led all of Division I football in tackles with 163. King was also recognized with the Buchanan Award in 2015, given to the best defensive player in the FCS, in addition to being an All-Conference pick three years running and FCS first-team All-American.

King has had to prove himself at every stage of competition in order to get where he is today. He recalls his high school coach telling him he wasn't "cut out" to play football. Deon graduated high school in Reston a two-star recruit, going to Fork Union Military Academy for a year to prove himself to any college team willing to take a chance on him. His only scholarship offer came from Norfolk State which King accepted. King steadily progressed in production and leadership each year in college, becoming a starter as a sophomore, an all-Conference player as a junior, and an all-FCS player his final year. King is extremely passionate about the game of football and understands the importance of studying film and tendencies as well as continuing to constantly improve oneself. His role models include Michael Jordan and Colts' linebacker Robert Mathis. When asked why he should be signed to an NFL roster, King responded "you are getting a guy that will give everything that he has every day ... [I will] do everything possible to make this organization number one."

Strengths

  • Strong wrap-up tackler
  • Always hungry in pursuit to find and take down the ballcarrier
  • Thrives doing the dirty work on special teams
  • Continually improved physical ability and mental game to gain recognition at college level

Weaknesses

  • Size and frame right at the bottom of acceptable range for NFL linebackers. Needs to add 10 pounds if possible
  • No standout athletic traits that compensate for lack of size, relatively slow (4.79 40)
  • Massive jump in level of competition from FCS to NFL, will take years to adjust

Media Buzz



How He Would Fit on the Redskins

Deon King is a classic late-round pick by Scot McCloughan, possessing two key traits that he looks for over size/speed/hype: perseverance through struggle and love of football. King's story is certainly inspiring, but he's is a late round pick or priority free agent at best. However he would have an immediate opportunity to start on special teams, joining free agent signings David Bruton and Terence Garvin as additions to a slowly but steadily improving ST corps. King has upside in the sense that his history suggests he can overcome low expectations and become a productive starter. However that best-case scenario would be 2-3 years in the future. King has a great story and will be a fan favorite for his work ethic wherever he ends up. His ceiling is a low-end starter as an OLB in a 4-3 or ILB in a 3-4 and his floor is special teams standout. For a late-round pick, that's all you can really ask for.







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