Could Kennard replace Azeez Ojulari?
The 2025 NFL Draft is deep and talented at several high-leverage positions, and the EDGE position one of the deepest and most talented.
That’s good news for the New York Giants, who might well find themselves in need of a new edge defender in 2025. Former second round pick Azeez Ojulari is a menace off the edge when healthy, unfortunately he’s had a problem staying healthy since being drafted. While Ojulari played in all 17 games as a rookie, he’s only played in 29 of 51 possible games since 2022. Combine that with his pending free agency, and it would make sense for the Giants to look elsewhere.
South Carolina edge defender Kyle Kennard seems to be flying below the radar despite a breakout 2024 season which saw him lead the SEC in sacks. Kennard offers similar size as Ojulari, as well as similar speed off the edge.
Could he take Ojulari’s place on the Giants’ defense?
Prospect: Kyle Kennard (5)
Games Watched: vs. LSU (2024), vs. Ole Miss (2024), vs. Missouri (2024), vs. Clemson (2024)
Measurables
Height: 6-foot 3 3⁄4 inches
Weight: 248 pounds
Arm length: 33 3/8 inches
Hand size: 9 3/8 inches
Strengths
Best traits
- Explosiveness
- Fluidity
- Speed off the edge
- Pass rush
- Versatility
South Carolina’s Kyle Kennard is a good-sized modern edge defender who uses an explosive first step to consistently disrupt in the backfield.
Kennard showed a great ability to time (or anticipate) the snap off the ball, and was often one of the very first players moving on either side of the line of scrimmage. As mentioned, he has a very impressive first step, firing out of this stance low and hard with no wasted energy or motion. Kennard is often in the backfield as though he was shot out of a cannon.
His combination of snap anticipation and a lightning-fast get-off put extreme stress on the opposing blockers, and he drew multiple holding penalties in the tape viewed. Kennard has a fluid lower body with flexible ankles, which allow him to carry his speed around the edge, as well as make very sudden inside moves to exploit blockers who over-set to the outside. In that, he shows clear evidence that he knows how to rush with a plan, setting up blockers over the course of several snaps to create opportunities for himself.
Kennard has a varied set of pass rush moves, primarily using a club-rip with a speed-to-power counter. He does a good job of using his hands to keep his chest plate clean, while using his own hands to control blockers as he turns the corner. Kennard can occasionally over-run the quarterback, but he generally did a good job of finishing by bringing the ball carrier down. He led the SEC with 11.5 sacks in 2024, in addition to 16.0 tackles for a loss.
Weaknesses
Worst traits
- Run defense
- Play strength
While Kennard is able to translate his explosive get-off into power, he isn’t a power rusher. His worst reps come when blockers are ready for his speed off the edge and he isn’t able to win through technique. In those instances, he’s forced to rely on main strength and he struggles to get free or make an impact in the backfield.
Kennard has enough play strength to set an edge in the run game, but he is clearly better when attacking into the backfield than when trying to play off of blockers. South Carolina frequently took him off the field in short yardage or obvious running situations, which could be seen as a commentary on his run defense.
He also doesn’t show elite long speed when pursuing from the back side. Kennard can show some brief hesitation before pursuing the ball carrier, which can allow ball carriers to get further upfield than they otherwise might, or outrun him altogether.
Finally, his ability to effectively drop into coverage is currently unknown. He wasn’t asked to play coverage in the tape viewed
Game Tape
(Kennard is the South Carolina edge defender wearing number 5 and a sleeve on his right arm)
Projection
Kyle Kennard projects as a high-volume pass rusher to start his career, with the potential to grow into an every-down player before his rookie contract is up.
Teams may view Kennard as a pass rush specialist to start, but his disruptiveness is useful on most downs and distances. He has upside as a run defender, though it’s predicated on stopping the run before it gets to the line of scrimmage or – failing that – forcing a cutback to his waiting teammates. Kennard might need to get stronger before teams are willing to trust him in short-yardage or goal line situations.
He has experience lining up as both a defensive end and a stand-up rusher, which should give him broad appeal to most teams around the NFL. He should be able to find a role in almost any defense in the League, and could be tough to keep off the field.
Does he fit the Giants?
Yes
Final Word: An early second round value
