Jalon Kilgore could be the next L'Jarius Sneed for the Chiefs secondary

One thing that goes under-discussed about the Kansas City Chiefs' magic at the defensive back position is how they find the best roles for their players. Several players they've taken in the secondary are drafted as just a "defensive back" with some corner and safety versatility, and the Chiefs work out their role later. L'Jarius Sneed and Chamarri Conner were both drafted with questions around their role. Sneed spent time as a slot corner before moving out wide. And we all know Conner spent time in the slot before playing in a more traditional safety role in 2025.

Really, what the Chiefs look for in a corner: athletes with size that can press and tackle well. The Chiefs have some interesting options in that mold in this draft class—Chris Johnson, Colton Hood, and Brandon Cisse all come to mind. Jalon Kilgore might be available a few rounds later than those names and can offer similar traits and upside.

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NFL Draft Profile: Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina

1. Jalon Kilgore's background
2. Jalon Kilgore's strengths
3. Jalon Kilgore's weaknesses
4. Jalon Kilgore's fit with the Chiefs

Jalon Kilgore's background

Age: 21 years (draft day)

Height: 6-1

Weight: 210 LBS

Hands: 9 3/8 inches

Arms: 32 7/8

Tape Exposure: Vanderbilt (2025), LSU (2025), Kentucky (2025)

Kilgore attended Putnam County High School in Eatonton, Georgia. Rated as a 4-star prospect by 247 Sports, Kilgore was a state champion track athlete in the long jump in high school as well. After receiving several other high-level offers, Kilgore committed to South Carolina, where he played his entire college career. Kilgore finished his 3-year career with 178 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 8 interceptions, and a forced fumble.

Jalon Kilgore's strengths

Traits

Solid size and traits for the position; tested in the 99th percentile in relative athletic score, including the 98th percentile for the 40-yard dash and the 97th percentile for the broad jump.

Versatility

Used all across the defense for South Carolina, including in the slot, in the box, and as a free safety. His size, tackling, and run defense make him a viable option at all positions.

Man Coverage

Possesses strong hands and physicality, both suited for man coverage. Play strength and size also help him make plays on the ball, with 21 passes defended and 8 interceptions in 3 seasons.

Jalon Kilgore's weaknesses

Long Speed

Testing speed was a surprise and doesn't show up as a 4.40 athlete; he can struggle to recover against higher-level athletes.

Role

Where some will view him as versatile, others will view him as a player without a home, especially with him not being an outside corner that could push down his value in the class.

Releases

Despite solid man coverage skills, at times, he can give up too many free releases. This is tied to a lack of smoothness in transition and some hip tightness.

Jalon Kilgore's fit with the Chiefs

One of the things that keeps coming up in draft evaluations this year for the Chiefs is Jaden Hicks' role. After 2024, it seemed like full speed ahead for him as a starter. Instead, 2025 was much more rocky for him. If the Chiefs aren't confident in Hicks, that opens the door to several other players they might not otherwise draft with similar skill sets. Kilgore could be a nice insurance policy for Hicks and in the slot as well. His size, tackling, and man coverage skills make him a nice fit in the Chiefs defense, and his role makes him a weapon in the right hands.

Kilgore is a versatile defensive back who plays fast in short areas, diagnoses routes well in zone, and shows the ability to disrupt timing in man coverage while contributing as a reliable tackler and run defender. He flashes strong awareness, anticipation, and physical tools to break on the ball, contest catches, and handle tight ends or bigger receivers effectively. However, he needs improvement in ball tracking and needs to refine his technique to avoid giving up easy releases and losing reps against stronger, more polished receivers.

Round Grade: Red Chip (Round 3 Grade)

Shades of: L'Jarius Sneed