In the lineage of “Linebacker U,” Kobe King earned his place. The Detroit native wasn’t the flashiest athlete (like Micah Parsons) or the biggest hitter (like Brandon Short), but he was the smartest.
As he departs for the 2026 NFL Draft, Penn State loses the brain of its defense.
Career Analysis: The Tackling Machine
King was a volume tackler. If the ball was snapped, he was around it.
Career Stats:
- Tackles: 200+
- Tackles for Loss: 18.0
- Games Started: 25+
2025 Season: Leading Through Adversity
With dynamic partner Abdul Carter moved to Edge and safety KJ Winston injured, King had to cover more ground than ever in 2025.
- Result: A career-high 85 tackles.
- Impact: He was the primary communicator, adjusting alignments for a young secondary.
NFL Scouting Report
Strengths:
- Football IQ: He diagnoses plays before the snap.
- Run Fits: He is a classic “thumper” who fills gaps aggressively.
- Leadership: A two-time captain who commanded respect.
Weaknesses:
- Coverage Range: He struggles against elite athletic tight ends in space.
- Speed: 4.7 speed limits his sideline-to-sideline range in the pros.
Draft Projection: Special Teams Ace to Starter
- Round: 5th Round.
- Comparison: Jason Cabinda.
- Verdict: King will make an NFL roster because he can run the defense in practice and contribute immediately on special teams. He has the intelligence to eventually become a starting Mike linebacker.