Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has continued to make selections on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft that are receiving praise. Most recently, it’s defensive back Jalon Kilgore.
Viewed as a versatile defender, the South Carolina product comes to the Bills via the No. 167 overall selection in the fifth round:
Kilgore’s selection is bringing some praise because some pre-draft analysis considered him a potential third-round pick. Instead, he heads to Buffalo in Round 5.
At standing just over 6-foot-1, Kilgore has size to match his versatility. Kilgore could factor in at both safety and as a “big nickel” in the slot of Buffalo’s defense. The Bills are changing their scheme on defense under new coordinator Jim Leonhard but clearly still value versatility.
Kilgore sports some speed in his game as well, having run a 4.4 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine.
In 11 games in 2025, Kilgore had 54 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and two interceptions.
Bills Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 draft.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Bills select safety Jalon Kilgore in Round 5
Reporting by Nick Wojton, USA TODAY / Bills Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
