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    Mohammed ibn Kiran

    Kyle Dugger
    refer to caption
    Dugger in 2023
    No. 23 – New England Patriots
    Position:Safety
    Personal information
    Born: (1996-03-22) March 22, 1996 (age 29)
    Decatur, Georgia, U.S.
    Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
    Weight:216 lb (98 kg)
    Career information
    High school:Whitewater (Fayetteville, Georgia)
    College:Lenoir–Rhyne (2014–2019)
    NFL draft:2020: 2nd round, 37th pick
    Career history
    Roster status:Active
    Career highlights and awards
    • Cliff Harris Award (2019)
    Career NFL statistics as of 2024
    Total tackles:424
    Sacks:3.5
    Forced fumbles:3
    Fumble recoveries:2
    Pass deflections:24
    Interceptions:9
    Defensive touchdowns:3
    Stats at Pro Football Reference

    Kyle Dugger (born March 22, 1996) is an American professional football safety for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Lenoir–Rhyne Bears.

    Early life

    Dugger primarily played basketball at Whitewater High School in Fayetteville, Georgia. 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,[1] along with NCAA Division III member Berry College and NAIA member Reinhardt University.[2]

    College career

    After redshirting his freshman year, Dugger became an immediate starter in the Bears secondary his redshirt freshman year.[1] 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.[3] He recorded three interceptions and three fumble recoveries during his junior season.[4]

    Dugger utilized his athleticism during his senior year, at one point returning two punts for touchdowns within a seven-minute span against Virginia–Wise.[5] For his play in his senior season, Dugger was awarded the Cliff Harris Award in 2019, given to the best small-school defensive player.[6] Dugger also participated in the 2020 Senior Bowl, where scouts praised his field instincts.[7]

    Scouts praised Dugger for his speed on the field, projecting him at either safety, cornerback or returner in the NFL.[1]

    Professional career

    Pre-draft

    Dugger was placed onto preseason watch lists prior to his senior season. The majority of draft analysts projected Dugger to be a late second round or early third round pick. Dugger was ranked as the 2nd best strong safety in the draft by Draftscout.com.[8] Dane Brugler of the Athletic had him listed as the third best safety prospect in the entire draft. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. had Dugger ranked fourth among all safeties.[9] Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus and Steven Ruiz of USA TODAY had Dugger ranked as the fifth best safety available in the draft.[10][11] NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah had him ranked as the fifth best safety prospect (73rd overall).[12] Kevin Hanson of Sports Illustrated ranked Dugger as the sixth best safety prospect in the draft.[13]

    External videos
    video icon Kyle Dugger: NFL Scouting Combine
    video icon Kyle Dugger runs 4.49s 40-yard dash
    video icon Kyle Dugger's College Highlights
    Pre-draft measurables
    Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press Wonderlic
    6 ft 0+7⁄8 in
    (1.85 m)     		217 lb
    (98 kg)     		32+7⁄8 in
    (0.84 m)     		10+3⁄8 in
    (0.26 m)    		 4.49 s 1.61 s 2.65 s 42.0 in
    (1.07 m)    		 11 ft 2 in
    (3.40 m)    		 17 reps 23
    All values from NFL Combine[14][15]

    2020

    The New England Patriots selected Dugger in the second round (37th overall) of the 2020 NFL draft. Dugger was the second safety drafted in 2020, one selection behind Xavier McKinney. His selection marked the first time in 18 years a player from Lenoire-Rhyne was drafted since John Milem in 2002. Dugger became the highest drafted player in school history, surpassing Milem who was a 5th round pick, and was only the 7th player drafted from his alma mater since the NFL Draft was established in 1936.[16] He was the first player chosen in that draft who played outside Division I FBS. [17]

    External videos
    video icon Patriots select Kyle Dugger No. 37
    video icon ESPN 2020 Draft Profile: Kyle Dugger
    See also: 2020 New England Patriots season

    On May 20, 2020, the New England Patriots signed Dugger to a four–year, $8.33 million contract that includes $4.60 million guaranteed upon signing and a signing bonus of $3.61 million.[18]

    Throughout training camp, he competed for the role as the primary backup safety against veterans Adrian Phillips, Terrence Brooks, and Cody Davis after the Patriots' longtime starting safety, Duron Harmon, was traded to the Detroit Lions during the off-season. On July 19, 2020, starting strong safety Patrick Chung announced his decision to opt-out of the 2020 NFL season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Head coach Bill Belichick named Dugger the primary backup safety to begin the season, behind starting duo Adrian Phillips and Devin McCourty.

    On September 13, 2020, Dugger made his regular season debut in the New England Patriots' home-opener against the Miami Dolphins, but saw limited snaps in their 21–11 victory. He was inactive for two games (Weeks 7–8) due to an ankle injury. On November 15, 2020, Dugger earned his first career start at free safety with the Patriots' normal starter Devin McCourty moving over to nickelback. He made a season-high 12 combined tackles (seven solo) during a 23–17 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.[19] As a rookie, Dugger appeared in 14 games and started seven, while making 64 combined tackles (43 solo) and one tackle for a loss.[20] He received an overall grade of 64.1 from Pro Football Focus as a rookie in 2020.[21] The New England Patriots finished the 2020 NFL season with a 7–9 record and did not qualify for the playoffs.

    2021

    See also: 2021 New England Patriots season

    Throughout training camp, Dugger learned to play multiple roles at free safety and nickel following the retirement of Patrick Chung after playing 12 seasons. He competed to be the primary backup safety against Jalen Mills.[22] Head coach Bill Belichick named Dugger a backup and listed him as the second free safety on the depth chart, behind Devin McCourty, who was paired with Adrian Phillips to start the regular season. In nickel situations necessitating a fifth defensive back, Dugger would enter the game at free safety with Devin McCourty moving over to nickelback.

    On September 12, 2021, Dugger started in the New England Patriots' home-opener against the Miami Dolphins and made seven combined tackles (six solo) during a 17–16 loss. In Week 5, Dugger set a season-high ten combined tackles (five solo) during a 25–22 victory at the Houston Texans. On October 17, 2021, Dugger recorded eight solo tackles, a pass deflection, and had his first career interception on a pass thrown by Dak Prescott to wide receiver Cedrick Wilson during a 29–35 overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys.[23] The next week, Dugger recorded nine combined tackles (seven solo), made one pass deflection, and had a second consecutive game with an interception on a pass attempt by Mike White in the 54–13 win over the New York Jets.[24] On December 2, 2021, the Patriots officially placed Dugger on the COVID-19/Reserve list, which rendered him inactive during a 14–10 victory at the Buffalo Bills in Week 13.[25] On January 2, 2022, Dugger made two combined tackles (one solo), a pass deflection, and set a career-high with his fourth interception of the season after picking off a pass thrown by Trevor Lawrence as the Patriots routed the Jacksonville Jaguars 50–10. He was sidelined in Week 18 after injuring his hand and the Patriots would lose 24–33 at the Miami Dolphins. He finished the 2021 NFL season with a total of 92 combined tackles (70 solo), five pass deflections, and a career-high four interceptions in 15 games and 13 starts.[26]

    The New England Patriots finished the 2021 NFL season second in the AFC East with a 10–7 record and qualified for a Wildcard berth. On January 15, 2022, Dugger started in the first postseason game in his career and recorded four combined tackles (three solo) as the Patriots were routed 17–47 at the Buffalo Bills.[27]

    2022

    See also: 2022 New England Patriots season

    Throughout training camp, he competed against Adrian Phillips and Jabrill Peppers to be the starting strong safety. Head coach Bill Belichick named him and Devin McCourty the starting safeties to begin the season.

    He was inactive for the Patriots' 26–37 loss against the Baltimore Ravens due to a knee injury. On October 9, 2022, Dugger made five combined tackles (one solo) and returned a fumble recovery 59–yards for the first touchdown of his career during a 29–0 victory against the Detroit Lions. He scored his touchdown after linebacker Matt Judon had a strip-sack on Jared Goff that Dugger recovered and returned for a 59–yard touchdown during the second quarter. In Week 6, he made eight combined tackles (six solo), set a season-high with two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Jacoby Brissett to wide receiver Pharaoh Brown on the opening drive of a 38–15 victory at the Cleveland Browns. On November 20, 2022, he had seven combined tackles (four solo), one pass deflection, and had his first career sack on Zach Wilson for a seven–yard loss as the Patriots defeated the New York Jets 10–3. In Week 12, he set a season-high with nine combined tackles (eight solo) during a 26–32 loss at the Minnesota Vikings. In Week 15, Duggar had six combined tackles (three solo), a pass deflection, and had the first pick-six of his career after intercepting a pass by Derek Carr to wide receiver Davante Adams during a 24–30 loss at the Las Vegas Raiders. On January 1, 2023, Duggar made five combined tackles (three solo), two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass thrown by Teddy Bridgewater to wide receiver Trent Sherfield and returned it 39–yards for a touchdown during a 23–21 win at the Miami Dolphins. His performance earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[28] He led the league with three defensive touchdowns (two interceptions, one fumble recovery).[29] He finished the season with 78 combined tackles (50 solo), eight pass deflections, three interceptions, three touchdowns, one forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and one sack in 15 games and 15 starts.[30] He received an overall grade of 78.4 from Pro Football Focus in 2022.[31]

    2023

    He returned as the de facto starting strong safety and was paired with Jalen Mills following the retirement of Devin McCourty. On October 1, 2023, he set a career-high with 15 combined tackles (12 solo) as the Patriots lost 3–38 at the Dallas Cowboys. In Week 8, Dugger made nine combined tackles (seven solo), a pass deflection, made his only sack of the season, and intercepted a pass by Tua Tagovailoa to wide receiver Tyreek Hill during a 17–31 loss at the Miami Dolphins. The following week, he made six combined tackles (five solo), a pass deflection, and had his second consecutive game with an interception after picking off a pass thrown by Sam Howell to wide receiver Jahan Dotson during a 17–20 loss against the Washington Commanders in Week 9. He started in all 17 games and had 100 combined tackles (71 solo), seven pass deflections, two interceptions, and 1.5 sacks.[32] He received an overall grade of 61.7 from Pro Football Focus in 2023.[33]

    2024

    See also: 2024 New England Patriots season

    On March 5, 2024, the New England Patriots placed the transition tag on Dugger, giving them the right to match any offer from another team and offering Dugger a one–year, $13.18 million contract.[34]

    On April 9, 2024, the New England Patriots signed Dugger to a four–year, $58 million contract extension that includes $32.50 million guaranteed and $29.75 million guaranteed upon signing.[35][18]

    He entered training camp slated as the de facto starting strong safety under new defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington. Head coach Jerod Mayo named Dugger and Jabrill Peppers as the starting safeties to begin the season. In Week 2, he had nine combined tackles (eight solo) and had his only sack of the season on Geno Smith for a four–yard loss during a 20–23 overtime loss against the Seattle Seahawks. He was inactive during a 10–15 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 5 due to an injured ankle. On October 20, 2024, Dugger set a season-high with 11 combined tackles (nine solo) and made one pass deflection during a 16–32 loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars. He injured his ankle again and was subsequently sidelined for three games (Weeks 8–10).[36] He finished the season with 81 combined tackles (55 solo), four pass deflections, and one sack in 13 games and 13 starts.[37] He received an overall grade of 44.3 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked 158th among 171 qualifying safeties in 2024.[31]

    2025

    On January 12, 2025, the New England Patriots hired Mike Vrabel to be their head coach after they fired Jerod Mayo the previous week after finishing the 2024 NFL season with a 4–13 record.[38]

    References

    1. ^ a b c Goodbread, Chase. "Super sleeper: D-II safety Kyle Dugger squarely on NFL's radar". NFL.com. Archived from the original on November 5, 2019. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
    2. ^ Ledbetter, D. Orlando (January 23, 2020). "Q&A: Kyle Dugger on playing in the Senior Bowl". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
    3. ^ Brugler, Dane (April 7, 2020). The Athletic's 2020 NFL Draft Guide (PDF). The Athletic. p. 226. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
    4. ^ Feldman, Bruce (July 12, 2019). "Bruce Feldman's 2019 college football Freaks List". The Athletic. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
    5. ^ Roberts, Ryan (November 4, 2019). "Kyle Dugger, the Small School Superstar We All Need". Pro Football Ready. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
    6. ^ "Lenoir-Rhyne's Kyle Dugger wins 2019 Cliff Harris Award". NCAA.com. December 27, 2019. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
    7. ^ Brugler, Dane (January 21, 2020). "Senior Bowl: Adam Trautman, Kyle Dugger and Ben Bartch make strong impressions on Day 1". The Athletic. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
    8. ^ "Kyle Dugger, SS, Lenoire-Rhyne". DraftScout.com. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
    9. ^ Eric Smith (April 20, 2020). "2020 NFL Draft Prospects: Gophers Winfield Among Standout Safeties". Vikings.com. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
    10. ^ "2020 NFL Draft Positional Rankings: Safeties". PFF.com. April 12, 2020. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
    11. ^ "2020 NFL Draft: Rankings the Top 10 Safeties". FTW.USATODAY.com. April 21, 2020. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
    12. ^ Linsey Young (April 17, 2020). "2020 NFL Draft Prospects: 'Plenty of Talent Available' in Cornerbacks Class". vikings.com. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
    13. ^ "2020 NFL Draft Rankings: Safeties". si.com. February 21, 2020. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
    14. ^ "Kyle Dugger Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
    15. ^ "2020 Draft Scout Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". draftscout.com. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
    16. ^ "2020 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
    17. ^ Yang, Nicole (April 24, 2020). "The Patriots select Kyle Dugger with 37th overall pick in 2020 NFL Draft". Boston.com. Retrieved April 24, 2020.
    18. ^ a b "Spotrac.com: Kyle Dugger contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
    19. ^ "Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots - November 15th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    20. ^ "Kyle Dugger 2020 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    21. ^ Ben Linsey (July 1, 2021). "NFL roster rankings for all 32 teams for 2021: Strengths, weaknesses and X factors for every team's starting lineup". PFF.com. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
    22. ^ "How the Patriots could use versatile safeties Kyle Dugger and Jalen Mills this season and beyond". Boston.com. June 9, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
    23. ^ "Dallas Cowboys at New England Patriots - October 17th, 2021". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    24. ^ "New York Jets at New England Patriots - October 24th, 2021". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    25. ^ "Patriots-Bills Inactives: What It Means For Monday night's Week Thirteen Showdown". si.com. December 2, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
    26. ^ "Kyle Dugger 2021 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    27. ^ "Wildcard - New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills - January 15th, 2022". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
    28. ^ Smith, Coral (January 4, 2023). "Buccaneers WR Mike Evans, Chargers RB Austin Ekeler lead Players of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    29. ^ "2022 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    30. ^ "2022 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    31. ^ a b "Pro Football Focus: Kyle Dugger". PFF.com. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
    32. ^ "Kyle Dugger 2023 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    33. ^ "PFF Safety Rankings: Top 32 ahead of the 2024 NFL season". pff.com. June 3, 2024. Retrieved January 26, 2025.
    34. ^ "Patriots Utilize Transition Tag to Extend Their Rights to Safety Kyle Dugger". Patriots.com. March 5, 2024.
    35. ^ Kownack, Bobby (April 7, 2024). "Patriots agree to terms with S Kyle Dugger on four-year extension worth up to $66 million". NFL.com.
    36. ^ "FoxSports.com: Kyle Dugger". foxsports.com. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
    37. ^ "Kyle Dugger 2024 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
    38. ^ "Patriots Hall of Famer Mike Vrabel returns to New England as our 16th head coach". www.patriots.com. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
    Credit: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyle_Dugger

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