The New England Patriots are looking to continue adding pieces to their defense. Harold Landry is just the start of the additions being made to the edge rusher room. At the South Carolina Gamecocks pro day, the Patriots met with an edge rusher.
According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, the Patriots met with Kyle Kennard at the South Carolina Pro Day. In the report, Kennard displayed "terrific suddenness and explosion all morning long." during his pro day.
Kennard is 23 years old and is coming off his fifth season playing college football. His first four years were at Georgia Tech, before heading to South Carolina where he had a breakout year.
In 2024, Kennard played over 500 snaps, and according to Pro Football Focus, generated 39 pressures and 10 sacks. It was the best season of his collegiate career.
In his five-year career, Kennard has 25 sacks, 95 pressures, 82 tackles, five forced fumbles, and one interception according to Pro Football Focus. His role gradually expanded, to where he played at least 500 snaps every year from 2022 to 2024.
With Pauline reporting that the Patriots met with Kennard, that makes the second time the two sides have met. At the Senior Bowl, Kennard and the Patriots met. With two meetings, the Patriots are clearly showing interest in the South Carolina edge rusher.
New England is in the market for more edge rusher help, and Kennard would likely be available in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The 2025 NFL Draft starts on Thursday, April 24th, and end on Saturday, April 26th.
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This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 1:00 PM.