South Carolina EDGE Kyle Kennard: The Next NFL Pass-Rushing Threat?
As the 2025 NFL Draft looms, we continue our deep dive into the nation’s top prospects. One name turning heads is Kyle Kennard, the South Carolina EDGE rusher whose raw athleticism and knack for disruption could make him a standout at the next level. After transferring from Georgia Tech in 2023, Kennard’s rise has been meteoric, culminating in a stellar 2024 season that earned him the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Bronko Nagurski Award, and first-team All-American honors.
At 6’5” and 254 pounds, Kennard has the ideal frame for an NFL edge rusher, and his ability to explode off the line has offensive tackles on their heels.
The Good
- Explosive Release: Kennard’s burst off the snap sets the tone for his rush. He combines speed with twitchy lateral movements to keep blockers guessing.
- Speed-to-Power Conversion: Kennard uses his quickness to generate leverage and drive linemen backward, collapsing the pocket with ease.
- Lethal Length: His long arms give him the ability to strike first, creating leverage before blockers can counter.
- High Motor: He’s relentless in pursuit, finishing plays with sound tackling technique.
- Versatility: Capable of lining up in multiple alignments, Kennard adapts to various schemes seamlessly.
- Proven Against Top Talent: His matchup against LSU’s Will Campbell, one of the best offensive linemen in college football, showcased his ability to outmaneuver elite competition.
The Challenges
- Underdeveloped Pass-Rush Moves: While athleticism carries him now, Kennard’s repertoire lacks finesse. He doesn’t frequently use advanced techniques like spins or swim moves and rarely counters when his initial plan fails.
- Run Defense Struggles: Kennard can be pushed off his spot or redirected away from rush lanes, limiting his impact against the run. His length gives him potential here, but he needs to refine his technique.
- Older Prospect: As a fifth-year senior, Kennard will turn 24 before the draft, which might affect how teams view his development curve.
Statistical Snapshot
- 2024 Stats: 10 sacks, 39 pressures, 12 tackles for loss (TFL).
- Career Stats: 25 sacks, 95 pressures, 82 TFL over five college seasons.
- Pro Football Focus (PFF): 80.6 pass-rush grade in 2024.
- No significant injuries throughout his college career.
Film Room Breakdown
Kennard thrives as a pass rusher due to his ability to blend athletic traits with deceptive movement. Against Will Campbell, he showcased his knack for luring tackles into overcommitting to the outside, then slicing inside for a quick pressure. This outside-inside fake is one of his most effective tools.
However, his run defense remains a work in progress. In one instance, Kennard was positioned to clog a rushing lane but was quickly moved off the line, allowing a first down. Plays like these highlight his need for improved leverage and block-shedding techniques.
Projection and Development
Kennard’s ceiling is immense, but his skill set needs refinement to succeed consistently at the NFL level. He has the tools to contribute as a rookie, particularly as a situational pass rusher, while honing advanced moves like spins, bull rushes, and counters.
Draft Projection: Mid-to-late Day 2 (Second or Third Round)
Depot Draft Grade: 8.3 – Future Quality Starter
Final Takeaway
Kyle Kennard is a raw but electrifying talent who combines length, speed, and power to disrupt opposing offenses. While he needs time to refine his technique, his relentless motor and proven production make him a name to watch as the draft approaches. With the right coaching, Kennard could blossom into a premier NFL pass rusher.
Stay tuned for more draft profiles as we count down to April!
