South Carolina DB Jalon Kilgore Shows Out During 2026 NFL Scouting Combine

Former Gamecock Jalon Kilgore had his turn at the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday and did not disappoint. Take a look at how he performed in front of scouts, coaches, and executives.

Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina defensive back Jalon Kilgore (DB39) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is underway with the defensive backs and tight ends taking center stag on Friday. Jalon Kilgore and Brandon Cisse showed out during their workout periods. In case you missed it here is a quick look at Cisse's day, but now let's take a look at what Kilgore showed on Friday.

Measurements:

• Height: 6-foot-1
• Weight: 210 pounds
• Hand Size: 9 3/8 inches
• Arm Length: 33 7/8 inches

Drills:

• 40-Yard Dash: 4.4 seconds
• 10-Yard Split: 1.56 seconds
• 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.32 seconds
• Vertical Jump: 37 inches
• Broad Jump: 10 feet 10 inches

Jalon Kilgore improves his 40 with a 4.40!

||@JalonKilgore||@jameskilgoresr2||@togray14 pic.twitter.com/wMYdmgoU1N

— Famously Garnet Sports (@FamouslyGarnet) February 27, 2026

Draft Outlook:

NFL analyst Lance Zierlein talks about Kilgore's versatility as he can shine in coverage and be a force in the run game at the next level.

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.

Kilgore is already drawing praise from other analysts in the sport. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Kilgore among his top ten safeties in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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• Biggest Questions for South Carolina Football Entering the 2026 Offseason
• Where Does Paul Mainieri and the Gamecocks Go From Here After Upset Loss to Queens?
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