Bilhal Kone CB Western Michigan | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Bilhal Kone CB Western Michigan
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Outside Man/Press CB | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 04/02/2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.43 seconds (75%*) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Outside Man/Press CB | |
| Last Updated: 04/02/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.43 seconds (75%*) | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 78.0 / 100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
|
77% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 75.1 | |
| Tackling: |
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69% |
| Run Defense: |
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61% |
| Coverage: |
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70% |
| Zone: |
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66% |
| Man/Press: |
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68% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
7th
Overall Rank:
#232
Position rank:
#41
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| College Games: 32 College Snaps: 1769 | ||
| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Alex Austin - Oregon State |
|
82% |
| Starling Thomas V - UAB |
|
79% |
| Darrell Luter Jr. - South Alabama |
|
79% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Unheralded out of Apple Valley High School in Minnesota with no star rating from major recruiting services, Bilhal Kone had to scratch and claw his way through the junior college ranks at Iowa Central Community College. There, he earned back-to-back Second Team All-Conference selections and was named Defensive MVP of The Graphic Edge Bowl in 2021, putting himself on the Division I radar.After proving himself at ICCC, Kone transferred to Indiana State for the 2022 season, where he made an immediate impact with 34 tackles and 6 pass breakups in just 8 games before his season was cut short by injury. That setback didn't deter him, as he made his way to Western Michigan for his final two collegiate seasons, where he truly flourished. In 2023, despite only making four starts, he recorded 42 tackles, 8 pass breakups and an interception. He followed that up with a standout 2024 campaign, starting all 13 games while racking up 70 tackles and leading the team with 9 pass breakups.
At 6'1", 190 pounds, Kone brings intriguing physical tools to the cornerback position. His circuitous path through three different programs has exposed him to various schemes and coaching styles, potentially making him more adaptable than his draft position might suggest. Through his five-year collegiate career spanning junior college and Division I competition, Kone has shown steady development and an upward trajectory that has caught the attention of NFL scouts looking for value in the later rounds.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Showcases exceptional fluidity in his hips that allows him to mirror receivers through their routes without having to gear down, rare for a corner with his length.
- Displays patience and composure in press coverage, using a disciplined jab to disrupt timing without getting grabby and drawing flags downfield.
- Demonstrates advanced route recognition skills against boundary patterns, consistently positioning his body to squeeze receivers toward the sideline.
- Possesses natural timing when playing the ball, rarely panicking when his back is to the quarterback and trusting his feel for when to turn.
- Shows impressive body control when transitioning from his side shuffle, maintaining balance while staying in phase with receivers through their breaks.
- Uses his 6'1" frame effectively to contest catch points, particularly on back-shoulder throws where he can reach around without interfering.
- Exhibits consistent football intelligence in zone coverage by reading quarterback intentions and jumping underneath routes with conviction.
- Maintains discipline against double moves and pump fakes, staying connected to his assignment rather than biting on misdirection.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Displays inconsistent footwork when forced to redirect quickly, sometimes crossing his feet and creating unnecessary movement that skilled route runners will exploit.
- Struggles with transitioning out of his backpedal against sharp-breaking routes, creating separation windows that NFL quarterbacks will target relentlessly.
- Shows concerning technique as a tackler, often leaving his feet and ducking his head instead of driving through ball carriers with proper form.
- Lacks ideal play strength when taking on blocks, getting washed out of plays when offensive linemen reach the perimeter against outside runs.
- Demonstrates questionable ball production relative to his disruptive abilities, failing to convert numerous pass breakup opportunities into game-changing interceptions.
Scouting Report: Summary
Kone brings an intriguing skill set to the NFL as a boundary corner with natural movement skills that belie his 6'1" frame. The tape shows a defensive back who plays with better fluidity than most corners his size, gliding through his transitions rather than laboring. His background across multiple programs has him well-versed in different coverage techniques, though he clearly thrives when using his length in press before bailing into zone responsibilities.His immediate value will come on special teams while defensive coaches refine his technique. The raw materials are there – length, patience, and football intelligence – but inconsistencies in tackling and transition quickness will limit his early impact. Given time to develop, Kone has the tools to carve out a role in defenses that utilize press-bail techniques and allow corners to leverage their length before dropping into zone coverage. His ball skills show promise, but turning pass breakups into interceptions will determine whether he develops into a rotational player or something more.
Looking ahead, Kone's ceiling depends on two critical factors: improving his tackle technique and refining his footwork at transition points. He won't step in as an immediate starter, but with development focused on these areas, he could grow into a valuable defensive contributor by his second or third season.
Bilhal Kone percentiles vs other Cornerbacks (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
How other scouting services rate Bilhal Kone (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
176.8
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
40.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.