The cap hits of big free-agent additions and a recent slew of injuries have riddled Who Dat Nation with mediocrity (or worse) in the past few seasons. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, a potential late-round fit for the New Orleans Saints could be Western Michigan DB Bilhal Kone.
The New Orleans Saints Should Target Western Michigan DB Bilhal Kone In The 2025 NFL Draft
The New Orleans Saints have undergone massive roster reconstruction in recent years and desperately need to supplement their roster with the draft to regain their winning ways. Their offensive struggles have received most of the blame with and revolving door of QBs and little overall consistency. The defensive side of the ball, however, needs to see some major upgrades in their own right.
A Potential Answer
The 2024 Saints draft included cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry in the second round of the 2024 draft, but the likely departure of Paulson Adebo in the upcoming free agency leaves the secondary’s outlook in doubt. New Orleans is expected to invest in the CB position soon and a Group of Five DB could be a fit. Currently projected to be a late-round draft pick, Western Michigan’s Bilhal Kone has an intriguing frame and some desirable traits.
The former one-star recruit is still an incomplete product, but his Broncos tape showcases some elite skills. His 6’1” frame lets him match up with just about any target, and he was lockdown during some stretches during the 2024 season. He finished his collegiate career with two fantastic campaigns and has begun to gain some steam among draft media members looking for sleepers.
Kone earned an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl. While he wasn’t definitively one of the best players, he continued to show flashes and held his own against some high-profile prospects. His recovery skills and early patience blended well throughout the week, and he made some nice plays. His stock has yet to rise substantially among media outlets, but teams and analysts are starting to see his potential.
The New Orleans Saints finished 11th in the NFL for interceptions, but that ranking goes down to 19th without Adebo’s three picks. Assuming he does leave, and even if he doesn’t, the team needs to improve their defensive ball production. Bilhal Kone picked off just one pass the past two seasons but broke up 16 total passes. Looking deeper into his film, the catch point is one area where he absolutely thrives. His length, timing, and positioning gave wideouts major issues in tight windows and he was a zone technician.
The Bottom Line
The team needs to address its secondary while also looking multiple years into the future. Some options may present themselves in free agency or the earlier rounds of the draft, and the team will have to consider all outlets. With two fourth-round picks, a sixth and a seventh, the team is poised to take some chances on higher-ceiling players with visible current flaws. If that route gets chosen by the New Orleans Saints, Bilhal Kone fits that philosophy perfectly and could become an important secondary piece if they do indeed select him.
Main Image: Vasha Hunt – USA Today Sports
