Bilhal Kone played for three different schools over the past four years. All along, he was motivated to prove what he could do.
Kone is a member of a first-generation American family. His mother is from Ivory Coast in West Africa. Making that move and beginning a new life wasn’t easy, he said, but it instilled a work ethic in him.
And his time at Western Michigan only reinforced those values. Kone said he grasped the importance of accountability, toughness, and self-awareness thanks in part to WMU head coach Lance Taylor.
“Really just the family,” Kone said. “The culture, the guys there. Everybody’s there to be great. I think that was the biggest transition that I had going from Indiana State to Western Michigan. Everybody wants to be there. They’ve seen the guys get to the next level like Marshawn (Kneeland). Everybody got to see the work he put in.
“And at Western Michigan you have opportunities to do that. And I think just the family and the culture, everybody wants to be great there.”
Now Kone is aiming to be great in the NFL.
Where Did Bilhal Kone Go In The NFL Draft?
Bilhal Kone went to the Baltimore Ravens with the 178th overall pick in the sixth round.
What Was Bilhal Kone’s 40 Time At The NFL Combine?
Bilhal Kone ran the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds at the 2025 NFL Combine. He ranked 11th out of 24 cornerbacks who participated.
His broad jump of 10 feet, 4 inches was 10th out of 21 in his position group, while his vertical jump of 31.5 inches was 21st out of 22 cornerbacks.
“It’s been exciting, being out here and seeing all these guys that want to compete and earn great things,” Kone said at the combine. “It’s been fun.”
Bilhal Kone’s Height & Weight
Bilhal Kone was measured at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds at the NFL Combine.
Bilhal Kone’s Stats & Highlights
Bilhal Kone didn’t make any all-conference teams during his time at Western Michigan, but NFL teams clearly like his skill set.
Kone intercepted one pass last season and another the year before while totaling nine passes defended each of the past two years. He totaled 70 tackles, one for loss, with two fumble recoveries in 2024. A season before, he racked up 42 tackles and two tackles for loss.
Kone transferred to WMU after spending one season and playing eight games at Indiana State, where he recorded 35 tackles, one fumble recovery, and six pass breakups. He played at Iowa Central Community College for one year before that.
If Kone is drafted, that would mark the fifth consecutive year a Western Michigan player is picked in the NFL Draft. Last season, Marshawn Kneeland went to the Dallas Cowboys in the second round.
“It’s great,” Kone said of seeing Kneeland’s success. “It’s a big motivation. Especially watching Marshawn since I got there. I got there two years ago, but he’s had the same drive and focus as anybody else who wants to make it. You see his determination to keep going and being great. When you see someone like that, especially in the MAC, do great things like he has, it only drives you to be better. I talk to Marshawn a lot because he’s with the same agent as well. He’s always given me great tips and advice. He’s helped me a lot.”
And what was that advice?
“Just being humble and being prepared for your opportunity,” Kone said. “That’s exactly what he did, and that’s exactly what I’m here to do: take advantage of every situation I get put in. It might be the highest-level opportunity or the lowest, taking each one with the same mentality.”
Where Is Bilhal Kone From?
Bilhal Kone’s hometown is Apple Valley, Minnesota. He played at Apple Valley High School before going to Iowa Central Community College.
Bilhal Kone’s NFL Comparison & 2025 NFL Draft Profile
Bilhal Kone said he models his game after Jaylon Johnson, Patrick Surtain II, and Denzel Ward. While it’s obviously too soon to say whether he’ll compete at their level, those are all players worthy of trying to emulate.
“I like guys who, it doesn’t matter where they’re playing, they’re going to be a valuable asset,” Kone said. “I feel like that’s the type of person I am. I can play inside, I can play outside. I love Jaylon Johnson, though. A guy that can really disguise his coverages really well. That’s something I want to be good at, too.”
Over the last two years at Western Michigan, Kone was targeted 70 times and gave up just 34 catches for 537 yards and two touchdowns.
I could see Kone playing well in any sort of scheme. He possesses good awareness and has a good feeling for where the ball is going to go on passing downs. He’s also not afraid of getting physical and making a tackle in run defense.
Kone said the Senior Bowl highlighted where he needed to develop. He wants to continue to improve his knowledge of the game and his man coverage abilities.
If he keeps getting better, Kone could end up being an excellent pro corner.
“Take every opportunity no matter what it is and run with it,” he said. “I think that’s the biggest thing. No matter when your opportunity comes, make sure you are prepared for it.”
