Kyle Kennard 2025 NFL Draft EDGE South Carolina Draft Report

With the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner, one EDGE rusher that you need to know is Kyle Kennard. Coming from South Carolina, Kennard is a productive defensive end who played football for the Gamecocks. Today, we’ll break down his NFL outlook in this draft report. Additionally, we will be breaking down his strengths, areas for improvement, and his potential draft grade.

Kyle Kennard 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Kennard began his collegiate career at Georgia Tech, where he spent four seasons developing from a rotational piece into a productive starter. As a three-star recruit out of Riverwood High School, he flew under the radar initially but showcased athleticism early on with a 4.72-second 40-yard dash at a regional combine.

After a steady progression with the Yellow Jackets, he transferred to South Carolina for his final year of eligibility. In total, culminating in a 2023 season with six sacks and 11 tackles for loss. However, the move paid dividends, as Kennard erupted in 2024, leading the SEC with 11.5 sacks, earning the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player. Additionally, he secured SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors. His 54-game career (32 starts) includes 143 tackles, 37 tackles for loss, and 24 sacks, with a standout final season that cemented his status as a riser in the 2025 NFL Draft class.

HT: 6040
WT: 254
40: 4.73
ARM: 3400

Strengths

• Explosive First Step: Kennard’s get-off is elite for his size, allowing him to beat tackles off the snap and pressure the edge before blockers can fully set. His snap anticipation and initial burst consistently disrupt timing in the backfield.
• Pass-Rush Toolbox: He pairs his speed with a refined rip move and an emerging inside counter, showing twitchiness and flexibility to bend the arc. His ability to chain moves—such as a dip-rip or speed-to-power bull rush—keeps offensive linemen guessing.
• Length and Leverage: At his size and large wingspan, Kennard uses his long arms to extend and control blockers, maintaining separation while working toward the quarterback. His flexible lower half aids in cornering efficiently.
• High Motor: Plays with relentless energy, pursuing plays sideline-to-sideline and fighting through contact to finish. His effort shows up in hustle plays and second-effort sacks.
• Production: A 2024 stat line of 11.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and 10 quarterback hurries underscores his ability to impact games consistently against top-tier SEC competition.

Areas for Improvement

• Run Defense Anchor: While decent against tight ends and lighter blockers, Kennard struggles to set a firm edge against bigger offensive tackles in the run game. He can be moved off his spot by double teams or power schemes, lacking ideal play strength.
• Limited Pass-Rush Plan: His repertoire, while effective, leans heavily on speed and a primary rip move. He needs to diversify his counters and improve hand usage to combat NFL linemen who can neutralize his initial burst.
• Age and Upside: As a fifth-year senior, Kennard will be 23 or older as a rookie, raising questions about how much growth potential remains compared to younger prospects.
• Over-Pursuit Tendencies: His aggressive style occasionally leads him too far upfield, opening cutback lanes in the run game or allowing mobile quarterbacks to escape contain.
• Functional Strength: Despite adding weight since his Georgia Tech days, Kennard’s power game is still developing. He’ll need to bulk up further to handle NFL physicality on early downs.

Conclusion

Overall, Kennard’s breakout 2024 season at South Carolina transformed him from a Day 3 sleeper to a legitimate Day 2 prospect. His combination of explosiveness, length, and production makes him a tantalizing option for teams needing pass-rush juice. Moving forward, if he can refine his hand technique and bolster his run defense, he has the makings of a long-term NFL contributor. However, he’s a high-upside specialist with the tools to carve out an immediate role on passing downs, for now.

Ultimately, Kennard profiles as a 3-4 outside linebacker or a wide-9 defensive end in sub-packages, best utilized as a situational pass rusher early in his career. His burst and length evoke comparisons to Harold Landry (formerly with the Titans, now Patriots) out of Boston College—a speed rusher who grew into a more complete player with time.

While not yet a three-down defender, his tools suggest he can develop into a starter with coaching and added mass. Teams like the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, or Green Bay Packers could maximize his skill set. Specifically, schemes that prioritize edge speed. Look for Kennard in the third round of the highly anticipated 2025 NFL Draft.

Round Grade: 3rd Round

Stats: Per Sports Reference

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