The Kansas City Chiefs identify and draft defensive backs better than most teams. Injuries to their secondary this season revealed depth concerns. Expect the Chiefs to add reinforcements in the 2025 NFL draft.
Western Michigan Broncos standout Bilhal Kone is a large boundary corner who surpasses the league’s height and arm length thresholds. He projects as an early to mid-Day 3 selection who could drop on draft night because of the cornerback class’ terrific depth.
Kone drives outside releases toward the sideline in man coverage. He doesn’t maximize his length yet and only deploys soft jams at the line of scrimmage. Kone lacks elite speed to carry burners downfield but recovers late in routes to contest throws at the catch point. He suffers from some hip stiffness but decelerates well to remain attached to receivers on intermediate comebacks and curls.
Kone is more reliable working in zone coverages. He reads the quarterback’s eyes to anticipate throws and quickly closes to limit yards after the catch. Kone’s arm length, vision, and timing help him undercut throwing lanes for pass breakups and potential interceptions.
Kone tracks down ball carriers with his long strides and impressive motor. He’s best against the run and screens as a pursuit-style player. Kone struggles to shed blocks and isn’t a physical tackler when challenging running backs head-on.
Western Michigan’s final game of the regular season is at home against Eastern Michigan on Saturday, November 30. The Broncos need to win to reach the six-win threshold required to qualify for a bowl game.