All-SEC safety to visit Commanders ahead of NFL draft

The Washington Commanders have six picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins in just over two weeks. Washington is without picks in the second and fourth rounds, due to its trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil one year ago. The Commanders are first on the clock at No. 7 overall and go back on the clock at No. 71 overall.

While Washington was aggressive in free agency, filling multiple needs, it could go a number of ways in the draft. One player Washington has been linked to at No. 7 is Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. There are some who think he's the best overall talent in the draft, but positional value could push him a little lower than it should.

So, while Downs is an option for the Commanders, they could use the seventh pick on another position, perhaps on offense, and look to address safety later. One player Washington has shown considerable interest in ahead of the draft is South Carolina safety Jalon Kilgore. NFL draft analyst Tony Pauline noted that the Commanders were showing Kilgore "a lot of love" at South Carolina's pro day.

Now we've learned that the Commanders will host Kilgore on a visit, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston. Kilgore will be busy up until the draft, as several other teams will either host Kilgore on a visit, or a private workout with at least three other teams.

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Kilgore is the kind of player Washington needs. He's a physical presence, a sure tackler, and he makes plays on the ball. In three seasons at South Carolina, Kilgore finished with 178 tackles, eight interceptions, two forced fumbles and 21 pass breakups. Outside of Mike Sainristil, the Commanders have lacked a defensive playmaker who can create turnovers.

Kilgore is often projected to go in the second round. The Commanders do not have a second-round pick. However, as we know, anything can happen on draft night.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: South Carolina S Jalon Kilgore to visit