FEATURE: Kyle Dugger and His Impact on the Patriots
Photo Credits: Eric J. Adler, New England Patriots
Kyle Dugger is a name that Patriots fans have come to recognize and love. He has become an impactful player and leader on the team and has demonstrated the significant value of hard work both on and off the field.
Dugger was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He was the 37th overall pick out of Lenior-Rhyne University and was the first player chosen in this draft who played outside of Division I football.
Lenior-Rhyne University is a Division II school in Hickory, North Carolina. LR was one of three schools that offered Dugger, the other two being a Division III school and an NAIA school. Dugger redshirted his freshman year but then was an immediate starter his second year at cornerback. He was redshirted again in his sophomore year due to a meniscus injury. He transitioned to safety his junior year where he recorded three interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
Dugger really shined his senior year where he became a dual threat as a punt returner. He became the only player in LR history to have two games with punt returns for touchdowns and finished as the school’s all-time leader in punt return yards. Despite only playing seven games, he was impactful enough to be awarded the Cliff Harris Award and participated in the 2020 Senior Bowl. This is where Dugger really made a name for himself to the scouts, who praised him for his field instincts, speed and athleticism.
As a rookie for the New England Patriots, Dugger started seven games, appeared in 14 and recorded 59 tackles. He also returned two kickoffs for 47 yards and recorded five special teams tackles. He was mentored by Jason and Devin McCourty, Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson and Patrick Chung. Dugger changed his rookie number, #35, to #23 after Chung retired in the offseason between the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
Dugger started the 2021 season and recorded his first career interception in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys. The following week he recorded his second straight game with an interception against the New York Jets. He finished the season with 84 tackles, five passes defensed, four interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Dugger continued this momentum into his breakout 2022 season, recording three interceptions—two of which were returned for touchdowns— his first career sack, 69 total tackles, eight passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. He became the first Patriots player since 1970 with three defensive touchdowns in a single season and led the league in this area. Dugger was also named AFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 17.
Eleven weeks into the 2023 season, Dugger is the starting safety for the Patriots and has already recorded 67 tackles, a sack, four passes defensed and two interceptions.
What makes Dugger such a special player is his versatility. He has played safety, defensive back, specials team and kickoff returner. Viewers will notice that he is all over the field, assisting in both the backfield and upfront. His speed and aggression also contribute to his force on the field.
Dugger is used to being underestimated but does not let it get to him. Instead, he works incredibly hard on and off the field and continues to be an outstanding leader, mentor and “underrated” player.