Joe Hortiz's first draft class as LA Chargers general manager was a raving success in 2024. Based on early returns from OTAs and training camp, it looks like the Chargers' GM may have done it again with the 2025 draft class.
Somehow, partially because of the excitement around the draft class, the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year is becoming an afterthought. Fourth-round pick Kyle Kennard has not received the same blistering support that his classmates have received and that is bound to change once Chargers fans see him in action in the preseason.
Thankfully, fans won't have to wait long to see Kennard suit up in the powder blue. According to defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, Kennard will play in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Detroit Lions.
Chargers confirm Kyle Kennard will play Thursday vs. Lions
The extent to which Kennard will play on Thursday remains to be seen but it is great that he will see some game action in the first preseason game of the year. Kennard has legitimate pass-rush upside and the more reps he gets in the preseason the more chances he has to carve out a spot in the edge-rusher rotation.
Kennard's roster spot is guaranteed but it's unknown how much he will actually play on defense in his rookie season. While he has a lot of upside, he also plays a position that boasts Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree. As it stands right now, Kennard is EDGE4 in that room.
There is room to move up, though. While the two starting spots are locked up, Kennard could absolutely usurp the veteran Dupree in the pecking order. It would take a truly special preseason to do that and Thursday may be the start.
Hyping up a fourth-round pick can lead to disappointing results but there are real reasons to be excited about Kennard. There is a real track record for players who win the SEC Defensive Player of the Year award that is simply impossible to ignore.
Five of the last six SEC Defensive Player of the Year winners are now Pro Bowlers at the NFL level. The only player that bucks the trend is Dallas Turner, who was a first-round pick for the Minnesota Vikings last season.
Kennard won't be an every-down edge rusher early in his career but he absolutely can take his 11.5 sacks in 12 games last season and translate it to the NFL. After all, he is older than the typical rookie, which is part of the reason why he fell where he did. His perceived ceiling is lower than a 21-year-old first-rounder with elite traits, but his floor in year one is much higher.
At 23 years old (turning 24 in December), Kennard doesn't need any training wheels as he makes the jump to the NFL. He is ready to make a difference right away and that will come as early as the Hall of Fame game on Thursday.