Desmond King has done some nice things for the Houston Texans on defense.
The former Los Angeles Chargers 2017 fifth-round pick from Iowa intercepted three passes last season, tied for the most in his career in a single season. King was selfless as he played outside cornerback in Houston’s Tampa 2 scheme despite the fact he is much more effective as a slot corner.
At 27 years old and entering his sixth season, the expectation would be King is a defensive player. He finally graduated from helping out on special teams to carving a niche on defense.
However, the 5-10, 200-pound defensive back still has utility as a returner, and knows that his efforts on special teams can pay off for the Texans.
“It’s important for me because I want to work on my craft each and every day,” King told reporters Aug. 7 after the eighth day of training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. “I know that’s where they depend on me a lot back there and that’s very important for our team.”
King had 17 punt returns for 154 yards last season, a 9.1 yards per punt return. King didn’t break one for a touchdown, and hasn’t done so since 2019, but he nevertheless gave Houston’s offense favorable field postion.
Said King: “I can help our offense out by scoring touchdowns, getting them in great field position and probably — I don’t want to put them in bad positions, so, I want to take that serious each and every day I come out here.”
Along with Tremon Smith, special teams coordinator Frank Ross believes the Texans have capable veterans to secure possessions during the transition phase of the game.
“Those guys are going to be leading the pack as it stands right now,” said Ross on July 31. “Happy with the depth that’s hopefully rising to the challenge, and we’ll finish that up once the preseason is completed.”
King’s lone Pro Bowl selection came in 2018 as a returner. If King can duplicate that season for Houston, it should help them find the hidden yardage to help the offense put points on the board.
