Jalen Kilgore, S, South Carolina
Round 5, Pick 167
2025 Stats: 11 Games, 54 Tackles, 10 Passes Defended, 2 Interceptions
Jalon Kilgore is one of the most versatile defensive prospects in this entire draft class.
Kilgore is an extremely physical safety that plays the run at an elite level.
That physicality also translates to his coverage ability, leading to his 10 passes defended in his 2025 season.
With experience at multiple positions, I am absolutely stunned he fell into the 5th round, despite being a projected 3rd round pick by most outlets.
Swiss Army Knife
Kilgore has experience as a 3-year starter at multiple positions, playing 238 snaps as a deep safety, 594 snaps in the box, and 1,382 snaps in the slot.
What does that all mean?
That means Kilgore has experience, at nickel cornerback, free safety, and strong safety. AKA, he’s a perfect fit for Jim Leonhard’s 3-4 defense.
I firmly believe Kilgore can compete for a starting role at NCB and FS right out of the box.
Athletic Freak
Brandon Beane clearly went into this draft targeting athletes to fit a new fast-paced defense.
Kilgore doesn’t just fit that mold, he far exceeds it.
Of all 1,391 strong safeties evaluated from 1987 to 2026, Kilgore ranks 57.
Kilgore isn’t just an athlete, he is a specimen.
What Does Kilgore Do Right?
- Closing ability, plays the ball tight
- Playmaker in coverage, 8 INT in 3 years
- Excels in short route coverage
- Twitchy run defender
- Excels in open-field tackles
And Wrong?
- Needs development in deep coverage
- Can be too aggressive in run support
- Zone coverage IQ needs work
- Struggles with strong handed receivers
- Block shedding needs further development
Pro Comparison
Kyle Duggar
Pick Grade: A
Projection
Kilgore has the athletic makings to become something far greater than what he is on paper, and despite being raw in coverage, he has the unteachable tools needed to succeed at the next level.
For a secondary that has C.J. Gardner-Johnson locked in on a one-year deal, and Dee Alford on a three-year deal, Kilgore will have an uphill battle early on, but the starting opportunity may open up sooner rather than later.
I think Kilgore gets a shot at the free safety and nickel starting roles within one year.
Lastly…
I am way too excited about the potential Jalon Kilgore has in this defensive scheme.
Jim Leonard’s defenses apply numerous alignments for the safety position, and while nickel alignments will come at a lower percentage than a Sean McDermott defense, it is still an extremely essential role with how athletic slot receivers are becoming.
Kilgore fits that need admirably.
This coaching staff will get to work quickly to get the most out of their new athletic safety.
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