Kobe King has found a new home following his surprise release from the Minnesota Vikings. The rookie linebacker was claimed off waivers Friday by the New York Jets.
King, a sixth-round pick out of Penn State, appeared in five games with the Vikings where he primarily played on special teams. He was waived before Minnesotaâs Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Chargers to make room for running back Aaron Jones, who was coming off injured reserve.
Kobe King Was a Defensive Mainstay in College
King was a mainstay on defense for Penn State. Appearing in 46 games over four seasons (2021-24), King notched 200 tackles (113 solo), 18.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. He was second-team All-Big Ten in 2024 after totaling 97 tackles and three sacks.
A pre-draft scouting report by NFL.comâs Lance Zierlein called the 6-foot-1, 250-pound King a âbig, productive linebackerâ who âplays with the toughness and physicality necessary to be a two-down inside linebacker.â
King was drafted 201st overall, one spot before Minnesota took Pittsburgh tight end Gavin Bartholomew.
“He’s a really physical, knock back, impact tackler, and we’re excited to add him â not just to our fourth down units, but also potentially to be a starter one day in this league,” Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said on draft day. âGreat communicator â was able to move people around in the Penn State defense, a great defense in its own right.â
How Does Kobe King Fit the Jets?
With Minnesota, King logged 77 snaps on special teams compared to just three on special teams.
At just 22 years old, King still can have a bright future. But, at least for the time being, it will be with the Jets instead of the Vikings.
The linebacker room is crowded in New York, with Jamien Sherwood and Quincy Williams playing integral roles alongside Kiko Mauigoa. However, King should have an opportunity to carve out a role on special teams, especially as Mauigoa deals with a possible concussion.
The Jets (1-7) host the Cleveland Browns on Nov. 9 following a Week 9 bye.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Vikings 2025 Draft Pick Lands With New Team After Surprise Cut appeared first on Heavy Sports.