Several South Carolina Gamecocks included in latest ESPN mock draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is less than a month away, and all 32 teams are starting to firm up the prospects they are looking to select to build their rosters. Including NFL Free Agency, the NFL Draft is a crucial piece to general managers and coaches putting the pieces of their teams together. 

On Monday, ESPN’s Matt Miller released his latest full mock draft for all seven rounds. Included in the mock are four South Carolina Gamecock players, several of which are on the defensive side of the ball. 

Let’s take a look at where each Gamecock is projected to go from Miller’s latest mock. 

CB Brandon Cisse: No. 24 overall to the Cleveland Browns via Jacksonville

Miller has former Gamecock cornerback Brandon Cisse—who ran a lightning fast 4.40 40-yard dash at his Pro Day earlier this month—as the first Gamecocks taken in this year's draft. He has him going to a team desperate for a big turnaround in the Cleveland Browns.  

"The Browns have talent at cornerback, with Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell signed to long-term contracts," Miller writes of the pick. "But they need another outside corner after Martin Emerson Jr. became a free agent. At 6-foot, 189 pounds, Cisse has the frame and speed to be a factor inside or outside the formation. He's also an elite tackler who could bring added value as a blitzer and run defender from the slot. Cleveland has needs on the offensive line and at linebacker, but ending Day 1 with a WR1 and a playmaking corner would be a win."

CB Jalon Kilgore: No. 77 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Another big name in this year's draft class is Cisse's teammate, Jalon Kilgore. Across his three seasons at South Carolina, he accounted for 178 total tackles with eight interceptions.  

"It's important for the Bucs to leave Day 2 with a starting-caliber cornerback prospect," Miller writes in his mock. Kilgore is a battler in the slot with size (6-foot-1, 210 pounds) and 4.44 speed. He could also play outside corner or box safety." 

RB Rahsul Faison: No. 210 to the Kansas City Chiefs via Los Angeles

South Carolina fans should be excited with this pick. Miller has former Gamecock running back Rahsul Faison going to the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round. If this pans out, Faison would join an elite running back room that currently features Emari Demarcado, Kenneth Walker and Brashard Smith. Faison is talented enough to see some touches as a rookie in plenty of places within Andy Reid's offense. 

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Faison rushed for 470 yards and three touchdowns last season for the Gamecocks, spending two seasons prior at Utah State. 

DT Nick Barrett: No. 225 overall to the Tennessee Titans, from Kansas City via Dallas

Last but certainly not least, Miller likes former Gamecock defensive tackle Nick Barrett landing with the Tennessee Titans in the seventh round. Barrett saw consistent playing time with South Carolina the last four seasons, getting 72 total tackles with two sacks and an interception during his Gamecocks career.