2026 NFL Draft: Bills' Brandon Beane gives Jalon Kilgore scouting report
Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane shares draft selection process behind Jalon Kilgore pick
The more the Bills can hit on high-upside rookies, the more of a win it is for the team on and off the field. GM Brandon Beane was looking for just those types of players who can have an impact on games at a cap-friendly cost, and may have found just that in a talent who slid into the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. South Carolina safety Jalon Kilgore was projected as a Day 2 pick in the second or third round with athleticism and skills that could likely develop into him eventually becoming a starter at the pro level.
The 21-year-old surprisingly fell a few rounds down the draft board until Buffalo stopped the slide at pick No. 167. And when that call came in from One Bills Drive, Kilgore let them know he made the right decision.
"You just made the best pick in the draft," the young safety said on his end of the line. "I promise you, coach. I promise you.
" For his part, Beane highlighted their scouting and early interest. "Jalon was another guy we really liked, and we had a pretty good value. We sent [secondary coach] Joe Danna down to work him out, spent some time with him," he said .