South Carolina Gamecocks safety Jalon Kilgore had to wait longer than expected to hear his name called during the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite entering Day 3 as a Top-15 overall prospect remaining on the board, he didn't get picked until the No. 167 selection, going to the Buffalo Bills.Â
With his friends and family in Atlanta, Ga., just outside of his hometown of Eatonton, Ga., the footage of him receiving the draft call from Buffalo is an incredible moment. Speaking with Bills general manager Brandon Beane, Kilgore is overcome with emotion on having his NFL dreams come true. He also makes a promise to Beane that the Bills made the best pick in this year's NFL Draft in picking him:Â
If you watch one call video, watch this one.
— South Carolina Football (@GamecockFB) April 25, 2026
Congrats to the @BuffaloBills. They won’t regret picking @JalonKilgore #nfldraft pic.twitter.com/h9RoLYfXtn
ALSO READ: Why Bills are getting a steal in S Jalon Kilgore
After getting selected, Kilgore even had a message for South Carolina fans after getting selected
A message to Gamecock Nation! 🤙#nfldraft pic.twitter.com/ta67kot9dU
— South Carolina Football (@GamecockFB) April 25, 2026
In Buffalo, Kilgore joins an elite defensive backs room that features cornerbacks Christian Benford, Davison Igbinosun, Dorian Strong as well as. Among the safeties Cole Bishop, Geno Stone and Damar Hamlin. While he likely won't start as a rookie, having a season or two learning the Bills' defense could make him a consistent starter in Buffalo in no time.Â
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