Commanders showing 'a lot of love' to SEC safety

[ASFN Admin]

The Washington Commanders had a mission this offseason: get younger and faster. Over one week into NFL free agency, mission accomplished.

General manager Adam Peters has been aggressive, completely revamping the defense while adding parts to the offense around quarterback Jayden Daniels. Washington filled its biggest need at edge rusher, signing Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu.

The Commanders could still use some help in the secondary, despite signing cornerback Amik Robertson and safety Nick Cross. Could Washington add another defensive back in next month's 2026 NFL Draft?

Sure, the Commanders could look at LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane with the No. 7 overall pick, but other positions would be higher on the board. Unfortunately, Washington is without its second-round pick, and it doesn't pick again until No. 71 overall.

That hasn't stopped Peters from meeting with players who are projected to go in the second round. NFL draft analyst Tony Pauline says the Commanders are showing South Carolina safety Jalon Kilgore "a lot of love" recently.

The Washington Commanders are also showing Kilgore a lot of love, but he’s likely to be out of their reach, as the team’s second selection in the draft is the 71st pick, and the defensive back is expected to be off the board.

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Kilgore was a terrific college player in the SEC and has a knack for the football. His combination of size, athleticism, and versatility makes him an ideal fit for new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' defense.

Here is NFL.com's Lance Zierlein's official scouting report on Kilgore:

Kilgore is a big, long defensive back with nickelback or down safety value depending on scheme fit. He's played an overhang "Star" role, covering slot receivers and supporting the run, but he’ll be at his best in the pros covering tight ends and containing run games near the box. He could see split-field safety snaps if a staff trusts him on the back end, but he will be better off paired with a rangy single-high safety. Missed tackles need to be cleaned up but his wingspan, agility and play strength should keep his tackle totals high from year to year. Kilgore has the traits, ball production and versatility to counter the burgeoning tight end craze, making him a likely Day 2 pick with early starting potential.

If Washington could find a trade partner and recoup a second-round pick, then Kilgore could be an option. But regardless, the franchise's affinity for Kilgore gives a glimpse into the types of players and potential scheme fits the Commanders are looking for in next month's draft.

Washington isn't the only team that likes Kilgore. Pauline notes that the Eagles, Seahawks, Texans, Panthers and Colts have all scheduled a pre-draft visit with Kilgore. That's an impressive list of some of the NFL's top defenses.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders showing South Carolina safety 'a lot of love'

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