Kobe King NFL Draft 2025 Scouting Report for Minnesota Vikings LB

The Minnesota Vikings selected Penn State LB Kobe King with the No. 201 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Kobe King is a solid run defender and has the potential to make it as a "Mike" linebacker. He's a good downhill player who has some force when taking on blocks to knock back offensive linemen occasionally and hold his ground. He also has solid instincts to consistently be around the ball against inside runs.

Kobe King Highlights

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However, King doesn't show good athleticism and struggles in coverage, making him a two-down player. Additionally, his athletic and speed limitations negatively impact him against outside runs and could make it difficult for him to contribute on special teams in the NFL.

Overall, the Penn State product is a decent late-round prospect for a team looking to add depth to its linebacker room.

MEASUREMENTS AND WORKOUT RESULTS

HEIGHT: 6'1"

WEIGHT: 236

HAND: 9½”

ARM: 31¼”

WINGSPAN: 78⅝”

POSITIVES

— Thick build with a good weight for a run-stuffing middle linebacker. Played at 248 pounds last season.

— Solid instincts against the run. Quick to key and diagnose blocking schemes to get to the right spot and mirrors and adjust to RBs' paths in the backfield well.

— Physical, has good knee bend and solid strength when taking on blocks to help hold his ground against offensive linemen.

— Can make tackles with linemen hanging onto him.

— Quick to sniff out running back screens.

NEGATIVES

— Not a good athlete or fluid mover, can't be trusted in coverage. Got taken off the field in a lot of passing situations last season.

— Lacks sideline-to-sideline speed, limiting his range against the run.

— Doesn't have the quickness and athletic ability to work over the top of blocks versus perimeter runs.

— Below-average arm length, which limits the extension he can get on blocks and can lead to him getting stuck.

— SuBpar awareness in zone coverage. Often late to see/recognize threats coming into his area.

NOTES

— Born Jan. 28, 2003

— 3-star recruit in the 2021 class, per 247Sports

— No major injuries

— Twin brother, Kalen, was a cornerback at Penn State and drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2024

— 2023 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten

— 2024 Second-Team All-Big Ten

GRADE: 5.9 (Backup/Draftable — 6th-7th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 243

POSITION RANK: LB15

PRO COMPARISON: Jack Sanborn

Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder