Bills snag South Carolina's Jalon Kilgore at pick 167. This overlooked safety brings run-stopping grit, but can he overcome coverage inconsistencies in Buffalo?
After a bit of a break in the action, the Buffalo Bills were back on the clock in the fifth round. And with the 167th pick, the Bills took South Carolina safety Jalon Kilgore.
Kilgore was projected to be a potential 3rd or 4th round pick, but fell to round five for the Bills.
The former Gamecock heads to Buffalo after putting up 54 tackles and two interceptions in 2025. He stands out in his run defense abilities and can stay disciplined in zone coverage. At 6-1 and with great length in his arms, Kilgore knows how to finish tackles against players of all sizes.
"Versus the pass, Kilgore is much more productive in man coverage than when he is in zone," ESPN's scouting report reads. "He can get lost in space in zone coverage.
"When in man, Kilgore has the speed to stay in phase with receivers while also displaying the awareness to turn his head to find the ball and swat it away or come down with an interception."
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He has recovery issues and has periods of inconsistency in zone coverage that lead to bigger plays over the top. He also tended to telegraph his blitzes, letting offensives shift coverage or check out of plays.
Still, Kilgore has the potential to be looked at as a steal of the draft if he can fix some of the issues that led him to fall down the board.
Buffalo also had pick 168 but traded it to the Detroit Lions for pick 181 (5th) and 213 (6th). Now the Bills have three selections left at picks 181, 213, and 220. After that, it'll be time to keep an eye on potential undrafted free agent signings ahead of rookie minicamp.
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