The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for the 2025 NFL Draft, with cornerback prospects rising to the forefront of their roster planning. With free agents Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams headed toward the end of their contracts, the need for fresh talent in the secondary is becoming increasingly urgent.
Among the contenders for attention is Dorian Strong, hailing from Virginia Tech. Standing at 6 feet and 5/8 inches tall and weighing 179 pounds, Strong has earned recognition for his performance on the field. He may not be the biggest player on the field, but he plays like he is, proving himself particularly effective during press coverage. He utilizes powerful one and two-handed punches to disrupt receivers, stalling their initial movements at the line of scrimmage and offering his defense significant strategic advantages. Given the tempo of the NFL, where quarterbacks often throw within three seconds, Strong’s capabilities could make him invaluable.
Describing Strong's style, analyst Ryan Fowler noted, "Virginia Tech DB Dorian Strong deserves some more love. Quick, fluid, instinctive corner who can really run who is also competitive as a run defender." Strong’s agility and intelligence allow him to quickly diagnose plays, demonstrating pivotal skills necessary for both man and zone coverage. His adeptness at mirroring receiver routes allows him to step seamlessly with opponents, making him difficult to shake off.
Yet, no player is without blemishes. Strong faces some challenges, particularly against smaller, faster receivers. While he exemplifies solid footwork and efficient tackling techniques, there are areas requiring emphasis. For example, his technique for shedding blocks isn't consistently effective, and he must refine his punch accuracy when engaging with press coverage. At present, expert projections classify him as a fourth-round pick due to the depth of cornerback talent available.
An intriguing aspect of the upcoming draft is J'Vari Flowers, who recently made headlines by reclassifying from the 2026 to the 2025 recruitment class. This shift demonstrates the competitive nature of college football recruiting and raises questions about which teams will secure premium talents. Flowers’ recruitment will stretch beyond the traditional National Signing Day, with key visits planned for March, leading up to his expected decision at the end of the month. His ability to showcase talent at significant schools could have ripple effects impacting NFL teams like the Chiefs who are continuously scanning the market for promising young players.
With Watson and Williams both potential free agents after the 2025 season, the Chiefs must strategize effectively. The timing to evaluate cornerback talent is now more pressing than ever, especially when contemplating the future composition of the defensive lineup. Relying merely on current roster members may not prove beneficial for sustaining future victories.
Strengthening the cornerback position could establish the groundwork for future team performance. A successful draft could not only provide the Chiefs with necessary defensive strength but also position them advantageously for maintaining competitive vigor as they make their way through the upcoming seasons. With the cornerback depth expected to create significant selections early on, the Chiefs might be waiting closely to see who will be available come their pick.
Building upon these evaluation strategies and keeping watchful eyes on talents like Dorian Strong and J'Vari Flowers could lead them to bolstering their roster significantly. With this level of foresight, the Chiefs can pursue effective cornerback additions to maintain and perhaps even improve their competitive edge heading toward 2025.