2023 NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Kahlef Hailassie, CB, Western Kentucky

Kahlef Hailassie is a bigtime corner from Western Kentucky who's physical in press coverage and great in run support. Hula Bowl scout Bryan Ault breaks down Hailassie as an NFL Draft Prospect in his report. — Kahlef Hailassie is a big-time corner from Western Kentucky who’s physical in press coverage and great in run support. Hula Bowl scout Bryan Ault breaks down Hailassie as an NFL Draft Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Kahlef Hailassie #12
School (Code)	KYWE
DOB, Class Yr	RS Jr.
Height, Weight	6100, 200
40 Yd Dash	4.54e
Arms, Hands	N/A
Position/Depth	CB / Starter
Honors/Captainship	N/A
Season Viewed (yr)	2022
Games Watched	INUN, HIUN, TNMI
Scout Name / Date	Bryan Ault / 11-23-2022

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022	11 GP, 62 TAK, 8 TFL, 3 SACKS, 2 INT, 10 PBUs, 2 FF (INCOMPLETE SEASON)
2021	14 GP, 57 TAK, 3 TFL, 2 INT, 5 PBUs
2020	DNP
2019	(OREGON) 3 GP, 2 TAK
2018	(OREGON) 13 GP, 1 TAK

Player Summary:

RS Junior transfer from Oregon. Starts at CB. High impact player. Tough, physical, versatile cornerback with strong coverage skills and strengths v. run to add value to an NFL team. Lengthy frame with long arms and good size/speed measurables. Physical at the LOS; can play press, jam and shows a good initial jab. Has feisty hands and stays on receivers downfield. Can cover and carry deep routes and is very good inside the 20. Times the ball well in coverage, with multiple pass breakups. Has very good instincts and is quick to read and react. Fights for the ball even after the catch and had a forced fumble v. TNMI. Ball skills need further evaluation; had several pass breakups but no interceptions in the games viewed. As a run defender, he is outstanding. Physical hitter; can lay some big hits in space and makes open-field tackles. Shows strong range and pursuit especially chasing down RBs from the backside. Very instinctive and quick to diagnose as a run defender. Can elude blockers around the perimeter and bust up screens. Very disruptive player with good play strength; can bend, play with leverage, and walk back blocking receivers. Also used on blitz packages where he has proven to pressure the QB. Swagger and confidence really pops on film. Plays with high effort.