Penn State cornerback Jalen Kimber enters the 2025 NFL Draft after playing at three high-level programs. The former Georgia and Florida transfer played his best football for the Nittany Lions this past season. Kimber was credited with making 37 tackles and three pass breakups and is especially sticky in press-man coverage.
Kimber recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Kimber discussed transferring to Penn State and playing hard-nosed football, his experience at the East-West Shrine Bowl, why he prefers man coverage, and so much more.
JM: Now that you've had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Florida to Penn State? You also started your career at Georgia, so it's been a long journey for you.
Jalen Kimber: Deciding to go to Penn State was the best option for me. The coaching staff at Penn State helped me out a lot. They helped me improve as a player. I feel like the staff was super helpful. That’s something I needed.
Penn State as a program is known for its defense. We played tough, hard-nosed football. I appreciated an opportunity to acclimate to that style of play. That’s exactly what I needed to improve some aspects of my game. That was a big reason why I went to Penn State.
JM: You also participated in this year's East-West Shrine Bowl. What do you think you proved to NFL scouts and general managers in attendance?
Jalen Kimber: I feel like I proved that I could compete with the best of the best. I already knew that, but it was nice to perform well in front of the scouts. I displayed a lot of versatility. I played a little bit at nickel. I showed that I could cover in the slot. I didn’t have a ton of tape in the slot, so that was important.
I went out there and competed with the best of the best around the country. I was also able to show that I can pick up a playbook quickly. It wasn’t a difficult install, but I quickly learned what they were trying to teach. I applied that to my game in a short span.
JM: Do teams see you being versatile enough to play that nickel role? What about playing boundary corner?
Jalen Kimber: I believe so. I hope they do (laughs). My versatility is something I’ve expressed to every team I’ve spoken with. I can play in the slot. I just haven’t been asked to do it a lot. I know I can play it though. I played the nickel in high school, and on 7-on-7. I’m familiar with the position.
I just have to prove it at this level. When I get a chance to play in the slot, I’ll show that it’s not foreign to me. I know how to cover receivers at the nickel.
JM: Did you meet with many teams in attendance? Which of those stood out to you?
Jalen Kimber: I met with like 90% of the teams in the league at the East-West Shrine. I met with more than 20 teams for sure. I really enjoyed my meetings with the Panthers. We had a good meeting. The Giants, Chargers, Browns, 49ers, Broncos, and Bills as well. I had some pretty good conversations with those teams.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. Does Jalen Kimber prefer to play man coverage or zone coverage?
Jalen Kimber: I prefer man coverage. That’s what I’m best at. I really excel in man coverage. If you throw my tape on, I’m sticky in man-to-man. I love man on man. Let’s line up and see who the best is.
JM: How would you define your identity as a cornerback? Do you prefer to play deeper in the secondary, or closer to the line of scrimmage?
Jalen Kimber: I prefer being closer to the line of scrimmage. It’s all about timing. I want to disrupt a receiver’s timing at the line of scrimmage, disrupt his release. You know you have some dogs coming off that edge (laughs).
Disrupting a play by even a split second makes a difference. That disrupts the timing of a play. That’s why I prefer to play press-man coverage as opposed to playing off.
JM: I love that. We've appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Jalen Kimber?
Jalen Kimber: A team should draft Jalen Kimber because you’re going to get a competitor. I’m a high football IQ guy. I’m a great teammate in the locker room. You’re going to get a dog. I feel like I’m being slept on a little bit. You’re going to get a competitor, a real dog. I’m ready to go out there and prove it.
Time will tell. That’s all I have to say.
