The Buffalo Bills announced on Apr. 25 that they have selected safety Jalon Kilgore in the fifth round of the 2026 National Football League Draft, with the No. 167 overall pick.
Kilgore’s selection is significant as he brings versatility and experience to the team, both on defense and special teams. The Bills’ general manager Brandon Beane said incoming rookies like Kilgore will provide important depth, competition for roles, and contributions on special teams.
Kilgore played college football at South Carolina where he gained experience as a nickel defender and punt returner. Over his career, he appeared in 36 games on special teams with an average of 6.2 yards per punt return from a total of 12 returns. “Putting me out there in the fire, going to make a play and on special teams, that just boosts the win percentages,” Kilgore said. “So, if that’s another role they need me to play, then I’m willing to do that as well.” On defense, he registered 178 tackles, eight interceptions—including five during his standout season in 2024—21 pass deflections, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble over three seasons.
Describing his style of play as “violent,” Kilgore said: “I attack the ball … I tackle people … I get people on the ground … I hustle the ball violently. That’s what I would like to say my style of defense is.” His production earned him team captain honors and Second-Team All-SEC recognition in his final season.
Despite being projected by some analysts as a third-round pick and ranked eighth among safeties by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, Kilgore said draft projections did not matter to him: “The earliest was going to be the best team that I’d be on,” he said about joining Buffalo in the fifth round. “I’m going to take it and that’s all I needed was a foot in the door.” He added: “Ready to compete and win… That’s definitely an organization I’m ready to be a part of.” He also expressed eagerness about fitting into Buffalo’s culture: “mold with the team” while building character.
Reflecting on how playing for South Carolina prepared him for professional football, Kilgore credited competing in college football’s Southeastern Conference (SEC) for his development: “It’s the best type of ball. College ball is the closest thing to the league…my goal has always been [to] make it to the NFL no matter how I got there.” He also spoke about reuniting with former teammate T.J. Sanders from South Carolina who now plays for Buffalo: “[Sanders] was my dog…So it’s going to be good just to team back up with him again.”
Looking ahead, Kilgore said he is committed both personally and professionally: “I’m willing to be a part of that.”
