As many expected them to, the Dallas Cowboys have restructured their defense a bit this offseason. That started at the top, as Jerry Jones and Brian Schottenheimer rightfully made the call to replace Matt Eberflus with young star defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
But the additions of Rashan Gary, Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, P.J. Locke, Otito Ogbonnia and Sam Williams won't be enough for the Cowboys' defense to crawl out of the league's gutter. They'll still need reinforcements at every level, and a gaping hole exists in the slot for a nickel cornerback.
Much has been made about finding a solution there, given Parker's tendency to employ extra defensive backs. Fortunately, Dallas is keeping a close eye on a promising one in the draft, as they are hosting South Carolina's Jalon Kilgore for a private workout ahead of the event later this month.
Dallas Cowboys hosting South Carolina DB Jalon Kilgore for private pre-draft workout
Aaron Wilson, a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2, reported that, in addition to having visits set up with the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders, Kilgore has private workouts scheduled with the Cowboys, New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills.
South Carolina @GamecockFB standout safety, nickel Jalon Kilgore (6-1, 211, 4.40 speed, 37 vertical, eight career interceptions) to visit #Texans #Panthers #Colts #Seahawks #Commanders, private workouts #Saints #Bills #Cowboys https://t.co/5dOAfMcQoK@KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 7, 2026
Kilgore, who is a big player in the slot at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds with 32 and 7/8-inch arms, thrived over the last three years playing in the slot for the Gamecocks. He racked up 8 interceptions, including an SEC-leading 5 in 2024, and 21 passes defended in 36 career games at South Carolina.
His size should allow him to cover NFL tight ends, and his speed and agility (4.4-second 40-yard dash, 37-inch vertical, 10'10" broad jump) will allow Kilgore to mirror speedy slot wide receivers at the next level and challenge pass-catchers at the apex of their jump for contested balls.
An element of his game that is unheralded is his versatility. Not only can Kilgore play close to the line of scrimmage and put his hands on receivers and be a factor in the run game, but he can also flip a switch and play free safety, where he ballhawks and keeps the entire field in front of him.
Parker can put Kilgore on the field, and opposing offenses would have no idea what the Cowboys are going to do. That is an incredibly beneficial thing for Dallas to have: The element of surprise. And Kilgore can help them achieve that.
A strong correlation exists between draft prospects being young at the time of their selection and NFL success. Well, it's a good thing, then, that Kilgore turned 21 at the end of January and won't even turn 22 until after his rookie season, unless the Cowboys are playing in the Super Bowl.
Coincidentally, he sits at No. 92 on the current big board, which is when Dallas will first be on the clock on Day 2.
Surely, the Cowboys know he could be available with their third pick, and they're doing their due diligence on a player who could be everything Dallas needs him to be under Parker.