The final weeks of the regular collegiate season are upon us. In just a few weeks, the conference championships will take place, the playoff chase for the national title will begin, and the bowl game extravaganza
shortly thereafter. Before you know it, it will be the new year and the 2026 NFL Combine will be here.
We have covered a lot of ground so far in Future Broncos. For this week’s installment, I’ll be giving my thoughts on three prospects to watch in Week 13. Some are playing in bigger games than the others, but nevertheless, all are players to keep your eye on as potential for targets next April.
Oscar Delp — Tight End — Georgia
Over the years, the University of Georgia has developed and put out numerous prospects at the tight end position. Most recently, Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington come to mind. Two totally different prospects, but certainly players tremendous athleticism and talent that have allowed them to succeed in early on in their careers.
Back in September, I mentioned Oscar Delp as a player to watch. While his overall production doesn’t stand out, Delp is a far better prospect than his numbers indicate. For whatever reason, he just doesn’t appear to get the volume he deserves. A lot of Bulldogs faithful are perplexed by that as well. Though when the ball goes his way, good things happen.
Sporting NFL ready size at 6’5”, 245 pounds, he fits the mold of what NFL scouts want at the position. As a receiver, I think he has a good feel getting up the seam and does a decent job after the catch. That’s something that has been missing from Denver’s offense this season. There’s no doubt there is a lot of untapped receiving potential with Delp. However, his ability to block in-line as well as being an asset on the move with runs to the outside would be a great addition to propel the Broncos’ ground game.
Let’s face it, the Broncos’ tight end production this year hasn’t been great. If the Broncos wind up picking as late as they are projected now, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Delp was a prospect that comes into focus for them with their earliest Day 2 selection. Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq, if he declares, will more than likely be first tight end off the board.
The race for tight end number two? I wouldn’t be surprised if that ends up being Delp if he has a nice finish to his senior season and strong pre-draft circuit. I think a lot of teams will be bullish on his pro potential. Perhaps Delp will get targeted a lot more today when Georgia takes on Charlotte in a “tune up” game.
Jalon Kilgore — Defensive Back — South Carolina
In my Future Broncos segments, I have steered clear of discussing defensive backs throughout the entire season. One reason for that is the depth and quality the Broncos have in their secondary. It’s definitely not high on the priority list. There are a ton of other position groups that desperately need more long-term help.
Though I’m always a fan when it comes to discussing versatile prospects that can do a lot of things well and have great pro potential. I’ve discussed a few South Carolina prospects this year, but junior defensive back Jalon Kilgore definitely should be on everyone’s draft radar.
Kilgore broke out as a sophomore in 2024 with the Gamecocks registering 48 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and coming way with an SEC leading five interceptions. He was one of the most impressive defensive backs in the nation. This season through nine games, the true junior hasn’t made as many plays on the ball but still has been productive with 46 tackles and an interception under his belt.
At 6’1” and 211 pounds with an impressive sub-4.5 40-yard, Kilgore’s size and athletic abilities shine on a weekly basis. His versatility is a lot like what we saw with Jahdae Barron at Texas but definitely has more length to him. He’s played outside corner, nickel and both safety positions. Another jack-of-all trades type in the secondary who will be an asset to any team that drafts him. It’s still a possibility Kilgore returns for his senior season, but with the Gamecocks struggling, it wouldn’t be surprised to see him declare and take his talents to the pros.
P.J. Locke is scheduled to be a free agent at season’s end and Brandon Jones will be entering the final year of his three-year contract in ‘26. Keep in mind that Ja’Quan McMillian and Riley Moss will be eligible for lucrative contract extensions after the ‘26 season as well. Finding a developmental prospect who can learn the ropes in Denver’s secondary and potentially see an increased role with future starting potential would be wise to consider.
As far as his best role in the NFL, I think he would be a terrific understudy for Talanoa Hufanga. He has been tremendous for the Broncos’ defense this year. You can catch Kilgore in action against Coastal Carolina this afternoon.
Keylan Rutledge — Offensive Guard — Georgia Tech
The Broncos’ offensive line continues to be a strength this season. Even so, investing in the trenches is always a smart decision. I’ve went over a handful of offensive line prospects this year, though writing a short tidbit on Georgia Tech senior offensive guard Keylan Rutledge seems apt.
After spending his first two years with Middle Tennessee State, Rutledge transferred to Georgia Tech last year and was a thirteen-game starter at right guard for the Yellow Jackets. He has continued that into this season and is a big reason the Georgia Tech is ranked fifteenth in the nation and are first in the ACC. He is also a key reason their top two backs combine for over six yards a carry—Rutledge’s dominance as a run blocker.
While he has a long way to go with technical refinement, his toughness and mauling presence as a run blocker at the point of attack can’t go unnoticed. He is an absolute mover in the offensive trenches. Based on that alone, he should be day one difference maker in jump starting the ground game for whatever team drafts him.
With offensive line prospects, I’d rather take guys who have pro ready strength and can have their technical flaws coached up compared to the opposite. Heck, I’m sure he could learn a thing or two from All-Pro guard Quinn Meinerz along the way and be coached up well by Zach Strief. I honestly wouldn’t mind him potentially being moved to the pivot. He just seems like a player that would fit in well with what the Broncos are trying to build during the Sean Payton era.
If you like bullies in the trenches, Rutledge is someone to keep your eye on during the pre-draft process. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he wound up being a late Day 2 pick. You can see Rutledge in action taking on Pittsburgh this evening. He just may have a couple pancakes or two in that one, but his big test will be at the end of the month going up against Georgia.
