Jalon Kilgore's NFL Draft Profile: Speed, Versatility, and Rising Hype

0:00On March 26, South Carolina defensive back, Jaylon Kilgore, has declared for the 2026 NFL draft after a standout college career. The 6'1, 210-pound safety turned heads at the combine with a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, good for 5th among, safeties, and the best broad jump at 10 feet 10 inches. He skipped the most testing at South Carolina's pro-day on March 17, but shown in positional drills attended by scouts from 31 teams. Teammate Brandon Sissy shares similar first-round hype as they climb draft boards through ongoing meetings. Kilgore started three years with a gamecocks, earning freshman All-American honors in 2023 and second team All-South Eastern Conference. Nod's the past two seasons. Teammates named him a captain and he split defensive most valuable player honors with an edge rusher. His versatility shines across roles like slot corner and safety, with at least 45 tackles and two force turnovers every year, including five.

1:02Interceptions as a sophomore. Coach's rave about his natural tackling and improved coverage, leading the team with 10 pass breakups last season. Though limited outside corner experience and occasional ankle tackles raise questions, his rare athletic score and speed make him a fit for modern. Kilgore's profile keeps rising toward a likely second or third round selection.