South Carolina Gamecocks pass rusher Kyle Kennard is one of the most productive edge defenders in this draft class and now looks to make an impact in the NFL. Kennard combines an exciting mix of length and explosiveness that should grab the attention of NFL decision-makers.
Kyle Kennard Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’4
- Weight: 254 pounds
- Position: EDGE
- School: South Carolina
- Current Year: Senior
Kennard’s Scouting Report
Kennard is from Atlanta, Georgia, and played high school football at Riverwood High. He was a three-star recruit after excelling at defensive end and drew interest from schools across the country. But instead of leaving the state, he chose to enroll at Georgia Tech.
In four seasons with the Yellow Jackets, Kennard was one of the team’s top players. He saw action in six games as a true freshman and expanded his role as a sophomore, playing in 12 games. He earned a starting job as a junior and went on to start his final two seasons at defensive end. Yet, after his fourth season, Kennard entered the transfer portal and transferred to South Carolina.
Kennard had a breakout season in 2024 with the Gamecocks, recording career highs in sacks. He earned All-America honors and was named the Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner, an award given to the nation’s top defensive player.
Strengths
- Good length and size with room to add mass
- Explosive first step that puts pressure on offensive tackles
- High-energy player with a relentless motor
- Quick, well-timed punch to keep his chest clear while rushing the passer
- Uses his hands well to disengage blockers and make plays in the run game
- Excellent speed, burst, and range in pursuit as a run defender
Weaknesses
- Lacks the power to consistently set a firm edge in run defense
- Needs to develop a consistent rush plan and counters when his initial move is stopped
- Plays too upright at times, making it hard to turn and flatten at the top of the arc
Current Draft Projection and Summary
Few players in this class had a better individual season than Kennard in 2024. His production was outstanding, and his jump from the ACC to the SEC was impressive. He went from a relatively unknown prospect to a potential early-round draft pick in just one year.
As a prospect, Kennard has plenty of traits to like. He has a lean frame with a wiry build but excellent length. He’s also an explosive athlete with quickness, speed, and agility.
As a pass rusher, Kennard primarily wins with his length and burst. He’s at his best when lined up wide, allowing him to use his quick get-off to beat offensive tackles around the edge and finish with his length.
Kennard’s best attribute is his length. He uses it effectively to keep his frame clear and flashes a well-timed, efficient punch. He has a solid dip-and-rip move but needs to develop more counter moves, as he relies heavily on pure speed around the edge. Kennard lacks power, though, as a bull rusher and offensive tackles can easily anchor when he tries to convert speed to power.
In the run game, Kennard wins with his speed, length, and relentless motor. He has the range to make plays down the line of scrimmage, and ball carriers struggle to beat him outside. He’s quick to stack and shed blockers but lacks the strength and mass to set the edge consistently. Against bigger offensive linemen, Kennard can get overpowered at the point of attack.
Overall, Kennard has intriguing upside as a pass rusher with his speed and length, but his lack of power raises concerns in both phases of the game. Nevertheless, his production and intangibles suggest he can be a productive player at the next level. He should be selected early on Day 2.