The New England Patriots are making moves to strengthen their defense, and their latest meeting with South Carolina standout edge-rusher Kyle Kennard is generating buzz. Kennard, who met with the Patriots’ contingent at the Senior Bowl, expressed his enthusiasm about potentially playing alongside Patriots star Keion White ¹.
Kennard’s impressive college career, which includes leading the SEC with 11.5 sacks and accumulating 16 tackles for loss, has caught the attention of NFL teams. His skills as a pass rusher would be a valuable asset to the Patriots, who finished last in the NFL in sacks this past season.
The Patriots’ interest in Kennard is not surprising, given their need to bolster their defense. With Kennard on board, the team could potentially create a formidable pass-rushing duo with White, who was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Kennard’s desire to play with White is rooted in their existing relationship. The two played together for two seasons at Georgia Tech, and Kennard has referred to White as a “big brother” figure. The prospect of reuniting with White in New England is an exciting one for Kennard, who would welcome the opportunity to play alongside his former teammate again.
While the Patriots’ meeting with Kennard is promising, it’s essential to note that the team has been linked to other defensive prospects, including Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. However, if the Patriots were to select Kennard in the second round, he could potentially provide an immediate impact as a situational pass rusher.
As the Patriots continue to evaluate talent at the Senior Bowl, their meeting with Kennard serves as a reminder of the team’s commitment to strengthening their defense. With the NFL Draft approaching, the Patriots will likely be busy making moves to bolster their roster and return to contention.
In other Patriots-related news, the team has been active in retooling their coaching staff, with several new hires and promotions. The Patriots have also made changes to their front office, with Ryan Cowden joining the team as Vice President of Player Personnel.
As the Patriots navigate the offseason, fans will be eagerly anticipating the team’s next moves. Will they make a splash in free agency? Will they use the draft to build their offense? One thing is certain: with the Patriots’ rich history of success, the team is always a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.
