Tuesday, March 10, 2026

2026 NFL Draft Prospect S Jalon Kilgore

Scouting Reports:






Video:

Safety Jalon Kilgore runs official 4.40-second 40-yard dash at 2026 combine:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/jalon-kilgore-runs-official-4-40-second-40-yard-dash-at-2026-combine

Articles:

Jalon Kilgore Might Be the NFL Draft’s Ultimate Chess Piece (4-24-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/player-profiles/jalon-kilgore-might-be-the-nfl-draft-s-ultimate-chess-piece

Sleepers Detroit Lions Should Monitor During 2026 NFL Draft (Safety Jalon Kilgore - Draft analyst Jeff Risdon sees similarities in Kilgore to how Lions safety Brian Branch goes about his business on the football field. "Jalon Kilgore is a guy that doesn't get enough attention. Defensive back from from South Carolina, says Risdon. "He is a hybrid safety, slot corner to linebacker type, and that's sort of where the league is going." Risdon believes even though he is listed in draft simulators as a safety, he projects better at the next level as a cornerback. "Kilgore gets it's weird because in like the draft simulators, he's listed as a safety, but he's actually better at cornerback. And it's sort of the way the Brian Branch was. I do see a lot of Brian Branch in his game, so he's one that I've watched.") (4-20-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/seven-draft-sleepers-lions-should-monitor-2026-nfl-draft

Roundtable: Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Preview (5. Who is a sleeper pick you hope lands with the Lions? Chirco: For me, I’d like the Lions to target the following players on Day 3 of the draft: South Carolina CB Jalon Kilgore, Southeastern Louisiana DT Kaleb Proctor and Michigan TE Max Bredeson. I think all three players would be high-value finds for Holmes & Co. in the later rounds of the draft (fifth-seventh rounds). In addition, I think all three players would prove to be top-tier depth pieces for the organization in 2026 and beyond.) (4-19-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/roundtable-detroit-lions-2026-nfl-draft-preview

Boom or bust: Who are 2026 NFL Draft's high-risk, high-reward prospects? (S Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina:  The Emmanwori comparisons are inevitable for the player who followed the standout safety at South Carolina. At 6-1 and 210 pounds with the ability to cover plenty of ground, Kilgore has not just the physical makeup of a multitalented playmaker, but also the disposition of one. But expecting anyone to follow the same trajectory of a player on his own athletic plane inevitably will end in disappointment. For Kilgore, any parallels to his former teammate might start to fall apart when discussing their pro roles. While Emmanwori flourished as a do-everything nickel for the Seahawks, Kilgore is prone to being shaken by quick-twitch slot receivers at the underneath and immediate levels. Handling tight ends and patrolling from deep might better suit his skill set, but that vantage point is a largely unfamiliar one for Kilgore. With his inconsistencies extending to his run fits and tackling, Kilgore might test the patience of whatever team drafts him.) (4-14-26):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/04/14/nfl-draft-2026-boom-bust/89592366007/

Top 25 Prospects For The Detroit Lions In The 2026 NFL Draft: If the Lions wind up with any of these guys, they had a good draft (14: Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina - Average Draft Position: 125th.  AtoZ Sports big board ranking: 99th.  The Beast Ranking: 88th.  The thing to like about Kilgore is positional versatility. He can play safety, outside corner, nickel, and slot. You can put him anywhere in the secondary, and he is going to play it well. The only real question is, do the Lions feel like they have their fill of players like this already, or can you never have enough of these guys?) (4-8-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/top-25-prospects-for-the-detroit-lions-in-the-2026-nfl-draft-if-the-lions-wind-up-with-any-of-these-guys-they-had-a-good-draft/


Lions Draft: A safety for every round in the 2026 NFL Draft (2nd round: Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina:  Three-year starter who played primarily in the “Spur” role for the Gamecocks, the 6-1, 210-pound Kilgore raised his draft profile with an outstanding athletic display at the Scouting Combine. Pros:  Outstanding athlete; state champion long-jumper in HS.  Game-altering speed, clocked at over 23 MPH via GPS. Loads of experience in the Brian Branch-esque slot safety role. Sound tackler with good body control. Ball skills (8 INTs, 21 PDs) are not a fluke, plays like a WR with the ball in the air.  Enthusiastic run support as a box safety.  Good communicator with sound pre-snap awareness.  Cons:  Struggles in man coverage with receivers who can run routes well.  Visible lower-body tightness shows in breaks.  A little too easy to block at times.  Penalty-prone grabber in coverage when he can’t match the lateral quickness) (3-23-26):  https://www.detroitlionspodcast.com/jeff-risdon/2026/03/23/lions-draft-safety-prospect-every-round-2026-draft-profiles/

2026 Pro Day: Dolphins & Bills Eye Washington WR; South Carolina DE Draws Interest From Patriots (There was a large crowd on hand for Gamecocks pro day, as the team has a pair of defensive backs expected to be selected on the draft’s second day.  Conversely, his teammate Jalon Kilgore is moving up draft boards. The former freshman All-American safety was forced to move to cornerback this season for the Gamecocks, who lacked talented bodies at the position, and he excelled. He stood on his terrific numbers from the combine, where he worked with the safeties, and just did position drills, and he looked terrific.  Kilgore has official 30 visits with the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, and Seattle Seahawks. Before the workout on Tuesday, he met with the Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings, then met with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins after pro day.  The Washington Commanders are also showing Kilgore a lot of love, but he’s likely to be out of their reach, as the team’s second selection in the draft is the 71st pick, and the defensive back is expected to be off the board. There is a real chance Kilgore is now drafted before Cisse.) (3-18-26):  https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-twenty-twenty-six-pro-day-dolphins-and-bills-eye-washington-wr-south-carolina-de-draws-interest-from-patriots/

South Carolina defensive backs rank in Mel Kiper's NFL Draft positional top five (Kiper also lists junior Jalon Kilgore as the No. 5 safety in the 2026 draft class. Ahead of the All-SEC contributor are Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman, Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, and Pittsburgh’s Kyle Louis.) (3-9-25):  https://www.on3.com/teams/south-carolina-gamecocks/news/south-carolina-football-nfl-draft-mel-kiper-positional-5/


10 players who impressed at 2026 NFL Scouting Combine (5. S Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina:  Kilgore proved to be rangy and ball hawking the last three seasons at South Carolina with eight interceptions and 21 passes defended. His speed checked out in Indy, running the 40 in 4.4 seconds (1.56-second 10-yard split) with a 37-inch vertical and 10-foot-10 broad jump. Kilgore, who has nearly 33-inch-long arms, also looked smooth and fluid in on-field drills and can return punts.) (3-3-26):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-players-impressed-2026-nfl-scouting-combine-styles-stowers-washington

Kiper's top standouts from the NFL combine: 13 prospects who helped their draft stock (Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina Height: 6-1 | Weight: 210 - A combo safety/big nickel prospect, Kilgore is tough and versatile, and he brings a lot of very good physical traits. His 4.4-second 40 time tied for fifth in the safety group. And though his 37-inch vertical was in the middle of the pack, his 10-foot-10 broad jump paced the position this year. We shouldn't be surprised: Kilgore was the Georgia 2A long jump state champ in high school. And he showed off his strength, putting up 16 reps on the bench press.  Kilgore has posted at least 53 tackles in each of his three seasons, while picking off eight passes and breaking up 23 over his career. He has also returned 12 punts, further showing his versatility. Think Day 2 for Kilgore.) (3-2-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/48046106/2025-nfl-combine-draft-risers-mel-kiper-prospects-top-workouts

Who could be this year's Nick Emmanwori (If teams are looking at big, athletic safeties, two prospects could see their names called earlier than expected: LSU's A.J. Haulcy and South Carolina's Jalon Kilgore.  The option from the SEC is Kilgore, the man who stepped into a larger role after Emmanwori's departure from South Carolina to the NFL. NThe fellow Gamecock defensive back measured in at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds at the combine. He played less in the box for South Carolina than Emmanwori but looked at home in either the nickel or safety spots.  "I've always been a versatile guy my who life so I never just singled myself to doing one thing," he said. "I definitely like nickel but I can also play safety as well."  He put up great numbers during athletic testing. Not quite to Emmanwori's level but few are. He hit 4.40 seconds in the 40-yard dash - fifth-best at the position - and 10 feet, 10 inches in the broad jump, tied for the best among all safeties.  Like Haulcy, he's not just an athletic run defender. Kilgore forced a 68.1 passer rating when targeted in 2025 with nine pass breakups and two interceptions. He tallied 18 pass breakups and eight interceptions over his three-year career with South Carolina.  That mix of run defense, athleticism and ball skills could be tailor-made for a dynamic safety at the NFL level.  "I feel like that'll translate well," he said. "A lot of that is instincts, being a four-sport athlete all of my life. And playing receiver and quarterback in high school, so I feel like I just know when to high-point the ball, get my head back and just take the ball.") (3-1-26):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/03/01/nfl-combine-nick-emmanwori-a-j-haulcy-jalon-kilgore/88902958007/

2026 NFL Combine results: 7 winners from the safeties group (Jalen Kilgore, NB/FS, South Carolina (6-foot-1 1/2, 210):  A nickelback/safety hybrid, Kilgore ran a clean 4.40 40, jumped 37 inches vertically, and landed a 10-foot-10 broad jump. He has a stout frame, showed the ability to turn and run, got downhill in a hurry, and displayed great recovery skills. A true defensive back with the range to play multiple spots.) (2-27-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/158211/2026-nfl-combine-results-7-winners-from-the-safeties-group

NFL Combine Risers and Fallers: Lorenzo Styles Jr. Follows in Brother’s Footsteps (Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina:  Kilgore’s fluidity, change of direction and ball skills were on full display Friday night. The 6' 1", 200-pounder tested well, too, with a 4.40 40-yard dash, a 37-inch vertical jump and a 10-feet, 10-inch broad jump. Kilgore, an All-SEC selection each of the past two years, can play both nickel and safety, and he helped his odds of being a Day 2 pick.) (2-27-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/combine-risers-and-fallers-lorenzo-styles-jr-follows-in-brothers-footsteps

2026 NFL Combine Stock Report – Safeties (Up - Javon Kilgore, S, South Carolina :  Javon Kilgore’s 4.4 40 time was very impressive until the other safeties ran. Still, it was a great time. Kilgore also leapt 37 inches in the vertical and 10-10 in the broad jump.) (2-27-26):  https://walterfootball.com/combine2026stockS.php

15 Defensive Backs Who Won the NFL Combine (Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina:  South Carolina safety Jalon Kilgore ran a blazing fast 4.42, which wasn't shocking given his track and field background. A pure specimen and special high school athlete, Kilgore's 10-foot-10 broad jump tied for the chart-topping result among safeties. That's an elite physical profile.  Kilgore possesses the size, speed, and athleticism that NFL defensive coordinators covet at the position. Kilgore is just so physically impressive. He's also versatile on tape, playing multiple positions in the defensive backfield as needed.) (2-27-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/news/15-defensive-backs-who-won-the-nfl-combine

NFL Combine numbers from Brandon Cisse, Jalon Kilgore (Jalon Kilgore - 40-yard dash: 4.4, 10-yard split: 1.56, 20-yard shuttle: 4.32, Vertical jump: 37", Broad jump: 10'10", Height/weight: 6-1, 210, Arm: 32 7/8", Hand: 9 3/8".  From NFL analyst Lance Zierlein… Kilgore is a big, long defensive back with nickelback or down safety value depending on scheme fit. He's played an overhang "Star" role, covering slot receivers and supporting the run, but he'll be at his best in the pros covering tight ends and containing run games near the box. He could see split-field safety snaps if a staff trusts him on the back end, but he will be better off paired with a rangy single-high safety. Missed tackles need to be cleaned up but his wingspan, agility and play strength should keep his tackle totals high from year to year. Kilgore has the traits, ball production and versatility to counter the burgeoning tight end craze, making him a likely Day 2 pick with early starting potential.) (2-27-26):  https://247sports.com/article/south-carolina-football-nfl-combine-jalon-kilgore-brandon-cisse-275900108/

2026 NFL Scouting Combine: Top 10 fastest 40-yard dash times for safeties (T-5. Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina – 4.40 seconds.  At 4.40 seconds, Jalon Kilgore tied for fifth among safeties at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. He’s coming off an impressive run at South Carolina, where he spent three years before declaring for the draft.  Kilgore made his biggest impact in 2024 when he had an SEC-leading five interceptions to go with 48 tackles and 3.0 tackles for loss. He also had a strong 2025 season with a career-high 54 tackles and 10 passes defended, along with two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.) (2-27-26):  https://www.on3.com/pro/news/2026-nfl-scouting-combine-top-10-fastest-40-yard-dash-times-safeties-lorenzo-styles/

2026 NFL Combine preview: 12 Defensive Backs the Lions should be scouting (Ballhawks - Jalon Kilgore, S/NB, South Carolina (6-foot-1, 211):  Kilgore is a positionally complete defensive back who can effectively line up as a interchangable split-safety, in the slot as a nickel, and in the box as an overhang defender, similarly to how the Lions utilize Brian Branch. Like the Lions Pro Bowler, Kilgore has “safety” speed, but makes noise due to his vision, instincts, ability to react-and-close with burst, and solid tackling both in the open field and at the line of scrimmage. He has great ball production and can consistently match up with running backs and tight ends.) (2-25-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/156892/2026-nfl-combine-preview-12-defensive-backs-the-lions-should-be-scouting

Ten players whose 2026 NFL Draft stock could rise at combine (Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina:  Remember former Gamecocks safety Nick Emmanwori's freakish showing at last year's NFL Combine? It was enough to motivate the Seattle Seahawks to take him at No. 35 overall in the second round, arguably the steal of the cycle, given his rookie season production. Kilgore's current projection is somewhere in the mid-round range and he's two inches shorter than Emmanwori at 6-foot-1, but his athleticism and ball skills are comparable. Kilgore is competing with South Carolina secondary mate Brandon Cisse at cornerback to be the Gamecocks' highest selection in April.) (2-25-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2026-nfl-combine-10-prospects-with-something-to-prove-nussmeier-allar/

Top 5 defensive backs for the Detroit Lions at the 2026 NFL Combine (Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina - Average Draft Position: 143rd.  A to Z Sports big board ranking: 93rd.  The thing to like about Kilgore is that position versatility. He can play safety, outside corner, nickel, and slot. The latter is probably where the Lions would play him if Amik Robertson is not brought back in 2026) (2-23-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/top-5-defensive-backs-for-the-detroit-lions-at-the-2026-nfl-combine/

2026 Senior Bowl Practice Observations: Caleb Banks, T.J. Parker Take Field in Mobile (Jalon Kilgore, DB, American - Day 1 Update:  For teams considering Jalon Kilgore as a big-nickel, Day 1 of the Senior Bowl was an encouraging development. Kilgore has more often been considered a “tweener” on the NFL Draft circuit, but in his first action at Mobile, he was disciplined and competitive in press, ran with WRs across the field, and used his length to disrupt at the catch point.  Kilgore isn’t quite the athlete his former teammate Nick Emmanwori is, but the Gamecocks alum nonetheless has an appealing blend of foot speed, lean mass, and length, and weaponizes those traits with intelligence and role flexibility.  Day 2 and 3 Update:  Kilgore finished the Senior Bowl strong, and in particular strengthened the argument that he should be a big-nickel primarily at the next level. He trimmed down weight ahead of the showcase in Mobile, and looked faster and more fluid out of breaks than he had during the season.  Several times over the final two days, Kilgore was able to seamlessly match his man, catch and carry upfield with his long-strider speed, and make timely deflections at the catch point with his length. He still has split-safety versatility, but man coverage is where he can shine with his footwork and calculated dictating physicality.) (1-31-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/senior-bowl-practice-observations-day-1-2026/

2026 NFL Draft prospects: Top 10 players on defense (9. Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina - Kilgore is an impressive athlete with the length and physicality. tohold up in run defense. His coverage production is good (eight interceptions, 18 pass break ups in three years) but often relied on instincts over technique.) (1-30-26):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/01/30/2026-nfl-draft-top-10-rankings-defense/88403594007/

Senior Bowl 2026 CB/SAF Primer (Jalon Kilgore, SAF, South Carolin:  Jalon Kilgore is being listed as a safety by the Senior Bowl despite playing some nickel corner at South Carolina. A full-time transition to safety increases his potential at the NFL level. Kilgore is a physical and willing run defender who triggers toward the action.) (1-23-26):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/2026/01/23/senior-bowl-2026-cb-saf-primer-roster

2026 NFL Draft: PFSN’s Consensus Top 10 Safeties Feature Caleb Downs, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (8. Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina:  A true junior, Jalon Kilgore sealed his career with All-SEC honors in 2025. The team captain sports reliable measurements for next-level duties at 6-foot-1, 207 pounds with a history of impacting throws: Kilgore finished his career with eight interceptions and 21 pass breakups. Kilgore began his career in the back end before spending his final two seasons as more of a nickel. Coverage volatility keeps him lower on the list; the positive impacts on the ball are offset by several detrimental plays he allows. Ultimately, I think Kilgore is best-suited for a return to a split-field role.) (1-15-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2026-nfl-draft-safety-prospects-rankings/

Where Cisse, Kilgore landed in Mel Kiper's latest Big Board rankings (The 2026 NFL Draft is still months away, but the mock drafts and big boards continue to be updated each week. Recently, ESPN's Mel Kiper shared his latest Big Board rankings and a handful of South Carolina players were included. Cornerback Brandon Cisse and safety Jalon Kilgore both announced last week that they are declaring for the NFL Draft. On Kiper's big board, Cisse is ranked as the No. 5 cornerback while Kilgore was tabbed as the No. 9 safety. The 6-foot-1, 207-pound Kilgore declared for the draft after spending the last three seasons with the Gamecocks. In his three years, he recorded 178 total tackles while breaking up 21 passes and intercepting eight in 36 games played. This season, Kilgore was credited with 54 tackles and two interceptions.) (12-19-25):  https://247sports.com/college/south-carolina/article/south-carolina-gamecocks-football-brandon-cisse-jalon-kilgore-espn-mel-kiper-rankings-267127774/

PFSN All-SEC Football Team Headlined by Diego Pavia, Mansoor Delane (PFSN All-SEC First Team Defense - CB: Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina Gamecocks) (12-11-25):  https://www.on3.com/teams/south-carolina-gamecocks/news/south-carolina-football-nfl-draft-mel-kiper-positional-5/

South Carolina Football: Gamecocks DB Jalon Kilgore Declares for the 2026 NFL Draft (12-11-25):  https://www.si.com/college/southcarolina/south-carolina-football-gamecocks-db-jalon-kilgore-declares-for-the-2026-nfl-draft-01kc7jcwt6fm

Gamecocks place four on coaches’ All-SEC Teams (COLUMBIA, S.C. (December 9, 2025) — Four University of South Carolina players earned spots on the Coaches’ 2025 All-SEC football teams, the Southeastern Conference office announced today.  Edge rusher Dylan Stewart and defensive back Jalon Kilgore were named to the All-SEC second team unit, while Edge rusher Bryan Thomas Jr. and return specialist Vicari Swain were named third-team All-SEC by the league’s 16 coaches. Kilgore, a 6-1, 211-pound junior from Eatonton, Ga., was fourth on the squad with 54 tackles. He led the team with 10 pass breakups while intercepting two passes. He tied for second in the SEC with a dozen passes defended in 11 games. He added one quarterback hurry and a pair of fumble recoveries.) (12-9-25):  https://www.abccolumbia.com/

2026 NFL Draft Rankings: Cornerbacks (17. Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina Gamecocks - Big board rank: 147.  Kilgore is a versatile defensive back in snap position (free safety, slot and box safety), size and athleticism. He does his best work from the slot playing as an APEX defender with some freelance freedom built into his role on most downs. He is fast to trigger downhill with some impactful tackles in the backfield, but does have a tendency to ankle-tackle too often. His forced incompletion percentage is low, but not when accounting for his alignment role. He can already be viewed as a potential NFL secondary chess piece. The question is just how much better he can get with improved anticipation.) (12-1-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-cornerback-rankings

Thumbs up, thumbs down: Quick reactions to South Carolina’s loss against Clemson (Thumbs up - Kilgore in coverage: Jalon Kilgore received first-round NFL Draft grades in preseason mockups. He didn’t have quite the impact some had hoped for him this season, but his performance against Clemson showed his pro potential. Kilgore finished with six tackles, a pass breakup and a leaping interception in the end zone, which showed off his athletic prowess. Kilgore spent the majority of his snaps covering Clemson’s leading receiver, Antonio Williams, and held him to seven catches for 66 yards. Kilgore will also choose between an early NFL Draft entry or a return to USC this offseason.) (11-30-25):  https://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-football/article313126697.html

Jalon Kilgore NFL Draft Profile: Week 13 Scouting Report for the South Carolina Safety (11-22-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/jalon-kilgore-nfl-draft-week-13-2025/

Jalon Kilgore NFL Draft Profile: Week 12 Scouting Report for the South Carolina Safety (11-15-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/jalon-kilgore-nfl-draft-week-12-2025/

Five South Carolina Gamecocks make PFF's 2026 NFL Draft Big Board (Next up on the PFF Big Board is defensive back Jalon Kilgore at No. 143. If that ranking translated to an NFL Draft selection, it would be in the early fifth round. Kilgore, like Sellers, is in his third year of college; however, with no redshirt under his belt, he has just one year of eligibility left at the collegiate level after 2025. Kilgore is an intriguing secondary prospect because of his size, athleticism, and positional flexibility. Some NFL scouts like him at safety, others think he could be a corner, and still others believe a combo role at nickel (like the one he plays for the Gamecocks) would be best for him.) (11-13-25):  https://www.on3.com/teams/south-carolina-gamecocks/news/south-carolina-football-pff-nfl-draft-big-board-11-13-25/

Jalon Kilgore NFL Draft Profile: Week 11 Scouting Report for the South Carolina Safety (11-8-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/jalon-kilgore-nfl-draft-week-11-2025/

Five Prospects Who Improved Their 2026 NFL Draft Stock in Week 10 (Risers - Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina:  Kilgore pops on South Carolina’s tape with his range and reliability on the back end, and he nabbed his first interception of the season Saturday, picking off Trinidad Chambliss late in the first half of the Gamecocks’ 30–14 loss to Ole Miss. Kilgore had five interceptions in 2024 but had been shutout through the season’s first eight games. At 6' 1" and 211 pounds, Kilgore wears lots of hats in South Carolina’s secondary, as he’s capable of playing either safety spot and covering receivers in the slot. His ball skills, cover ability and physicality culminate in a potential Day 2 pick.) (11-5-25): https://www.si.com/nfl/five-prospects-who-improved-their-2026-nfl-draft-stock-in-week-10

College Football Week 10: Team of the Week, Player Awards (SEC Team of the Week - CB: Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina) (11-2-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-10-team-of-the-week-player-awards-2025

Jalon Kilgore NFL Draft Profile: Week 10 Scouting Report for the South Carolina Safety (11-1-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/jalon-kilgore-nfl-draft-week-10-2025/

Jalon Kilgore NFL Draft Profile: Week 9 Scouting Report for the South Carolina Safety (10-25-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/jalon-kilgore-nfl-draft-week-9-2025/

College Football Week 8: Team of the Week, Player Awards (SEC Team of the Week - Flex: Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina) (10-19-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-8-team-of-the-week-player-awards-2025

2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting: Cornerback Overview (Nickel Cornerbacks - Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina - Strengths:  Really good downhill athlete.  Appears to play with a passion; eager to make big plays.  Has a lot of positional versatility with his size and athleticism combo.  Career 10% missed tackle percentage vs. the run.  Weaknesses:  Too much of an ankle tackler.  Could stand to be even more aggressive to the ball with better anticipation.  Scouting Summary:  Kilgore is a versatile defensive back in snap position (free safety, slot and box safety), size and athleticism. He does his best work from the slot playing as an APEX defender with some freelance freedom built into his role on most downs. He is fast to trigger downhill with some impactful tackles in the backfield, but does have a tendency to ankle-tackle too often.  His forced incompletion percentage is low, but not when accounting for his alignment role. He can already be viewed as a potential NFL secondary chess piece. The question is just how much better he can get with improved anticipation.) (9-16-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-summer-scouting-cornerback-overview

South Carolina HC Shane Beamer Issues Strong Message to Locker Room vs Vanderbilt After Injury Updates (9-7-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/south-carolina-shane-beamer-issues-strong-message-to-locker-room-vanderbilt-injury-updates/

Unveiling the 2026 NFL Draft All-Prospect team (First Team Corner Back - Jalon Kilgore:  Jalon Kilgore (slot corner) is a bit of a technicality. He played most of his snaps over the slot last season, according to TruMedia, but has the size to play along the boundary. The junior from Georgia was responsible for five interceptions.) (8-29-25):   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-draft-all-prospect-team-nfl-stars-of-tomorrow-take-the-field-as-college-football-season-kicks-off/

Three South Carolina Defenders to Watch in the Aflac Kickoff Game Against the Hokies (Jalon Kilgore - Defensive Back:  Defensive back Jalon Kilgore will look to shut down the Hokies all over the field. A true ball-hawking defensive back, Kilgore brought in five interceptions last season as a sophomore. He earned Second Team All-SEC honors from College Football Nation, while his interception count was good enough for joint-first in the conference.  Where Kilgore’s true depth shines is his ability to effortlessly form his game to be able to cover a multitude of positions at defensive back. While mainly covering in the nickel position, Kilgore has picked up many productive reps in at safety for White’s schemes, filling in behind DQ Smith, who will be highlighted later. Drones will have to keep watch not only on where Kilgore lines up each play, but try to figure out his responsibility if Drones wants to keep the offense moving.) (8-29-25):  https://www.si.com/college/virginiatech/football/three-south-carolina-defenders-to-watch-in-the-aflac-kickoff-game-against-the-hokies-01k3vtpnw103

Players to Watch for South Carolina During the 2025 College Football Season (Jalon Kilgore, S:  One of the many things that made South Carolina so dangerous last season was the number of turnovers they forced on defense. Nick Emmanwori roaming around the secondary and the other list of NFL players they had on defense last season were a big reason why. However, Kilgore tallied five interceptions last season, and if he can produce at that level again this season, he will be a big reason why the Gamecocks have success on defense again this year.) (8-25-25):  https://www.si.com/college/southcarolina/football/players-to-watch-for-south-carolina-during-the-2025-college-football-season-01k3gpryx6wc

Two South Carolina Gamecocks Make The AP All-American Preseason List (South Carolina has a pair of special defenders on their defense, and on Monday, both received high praise ahead of the 2025 season. Dylan Stewart and Jalon Kilgore each made the AP All-America list. It is a distinguished honor that only the best college football players make.  Kilgore was named to the second-team AP All-American team as a defensive back. Kilgore finished with 48 tackles, five interceptions, and five passes defensed as a sophomore. Last season, he finished with a 69.5 coverage grade and a 74.6 run defense grade, which makes him a perfect blend of being able to stop the run with elite coverage skills, making him a highly touted prospect.  Here is a more in-depth look at what makes him different.  What makes him special is his position flexibility. Kilgore can play a various amount of positions and align anywhere on the football field. He can play star, nickel, robber, and even come down in the box and be a rangy defender with his exceptional instincts. The two-year starter can do anything you ask of him and relishes in making plays on the ball and getting the ball back to his offense. Kilgrore has a strong run defensive grade per PFF (Pro Football Focus) with a 74.6 grade. He also has great speed and has been clocked at a top speed of 23 MPH.  South Carolina is expected to have a strong defense in 2025. With Stewart and Kilgore leading the charge as cornerstone pieces, the Gamecocks have a chance to be formidable and possibly achieve their goals of making the College Football Playoff.) (8-18-25):  https://www.si.com/college/southcarolina/football/two-south-carolina-gamecocks-make-the-ap-all-american-preseason-list-01k2zaj0z5pq


Gamecocks Football Positional Breakdowns: Defensive Backs (Nickel - Jalon Kilgore returns to Columbia, bringing starting experience at the nickel spot. Kilgore is a former All-SEC and freshman All-American recipient who has appeared in all 25 games for South Carolina in his career thus far. He is a versatile defender capable at making plays at his nickel spot and covering safety as well.) (7-21-25):  https://www.si.com/college/southcarolina/gamecocks-football-positional-breakdowns-defensive-backs-01k0ph14ry64

Lions Predicted to Add ‘Monster Athlete’ to Secondary (7-6-25):  https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-predicted-to-add-monster-athlete-to-secondary/

Ranking the position groups: Defense (Speaking of the nickel position, one of the Gamecocks' top returning players overall on the team is Jalon Kilgore, who's manned the position the last two seasons.  After a strong sophomore campaign which saw him log 48 total tackles and five interceptions, the Gamecocks are electing to keep Kilgore at nickel. Kilgore has seen his name pop up in the early mock drafts as a potential first-round pick in 2025.) (5-27-25):  https://247sports.com/college/south-carolina/longformarticle/south-carolina-gamecocks-football-position-group-rankings-2025-season-250324913/#2652982

South Carolina Safety Kilgore Cracks Top 100 Impact Players In College Football List (5-15-25):  https://www.si.com/college/southcarolina/south-carolina-safety-cracks-top-100-impact-players-in-college-football-list-01jvahpz9eh7

10 cornerbacks to know in the 2026 NFL Draft - PFF (Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina:  Kilgore projects as one of the best slot corners in the draft, playing in that role for the Gamecocks this past season. He has an excellent combination of size (6-foot-2, 219 pounds) and speed for the position, hitting over 23 miles per hour according to our player-tracking data in 2024. Kilgore’s five interceptions this past season were tied for the second-most among Power Four corners while also earning a strong 74.6 run-defense grade.) (5-14-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/10-cornerbacks-to-know-in-the-2026-nfl-draft

2026 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch for the South Carolina Gamecocks (Jalon Kilgore, S:  South Carolina just watched safety Nick Emmanwori go in the second round of the draft and Kilgore could be the next one up. Kilgore has started in 22 games over the last three seasons and will be the leader of the secondary this season. He was named a first-team Freshman All-American by ESPN and was named second-team All-SEC in 2024. Another productive season for Kilgore could make him one of the top safeties in the class next year.) (5-1-25):  https://www.si.com/college/southcarolina/football/2026-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-for-the-south-carolina-gamecocks-01jt66m3ejh4

Posted by LionsFan at 8:40 PM

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
.main-inner .sidebar .Poll { background-color: #AD966C; padding: 15px; }