Kyle Dugger


Kyle Dugger is an American football safety for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. He played college football at Lenoir–Rhyne.

High school career

Primarily playing basketball at Whitewater High School, Dugger did not start on the football team until his senior year. Lenoir–Rhyne, an NCAA Division II program in North Carolina, was one of three schools that offered Dugger, along with NCAA Division III member Berry College and NAIA member Reinhardt University.

College career

After redshirting his freshman year, Dugger became an immediate starter in the Bears secondary his redshirt freshman year. He played cornerback during his redshirt freshman season but switched to safety before his sophomore season, which he also redshirted due to a meniscus injury. He recorded three interceptions and three fumble recoveries during his junior season.
Dugger utilized his athleticism during his senior year, at one point returning two punts for touchdowns within a seven-minute span against Virginia–Wise.
For his play in his senior season, Dugger was awarded the Cliff Harris Award in 2019, given to the best small-school defensive player. Dugger also participated in the 2020 Senior Bowl, where scouts praised his field instincts.
Scouts praised Dugger for his speed on the field, projecting him at either safety, cornerback or returner in the NFL.

Professional career

Dugger was drafted by the New England Patriots with the 37th pick in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He was the first player chosen in that draft who played outside Division I FBS.