For many that don’t know Kyle Dugger or Lenoir-Rhyne University, taking him with the 37th overall selection might be seen as a reach.
According to a league source, Dugger was a top 50 pick on most teams’ boards and would’ve come off the board shortly after New England made him their top choice in the 2020 draft.
The Patriots explored trade back scenarios, but either didn’t love the return or didn’t want to risk losing Dugger, which makes sense after two safeties went at 44 (Delpit) and 45 (Winfield).
Dugger was a bit of a reach at the top of the second round, as we had him as a third-round prospect, and will take time to adjust to the speed of the NFL game.
He also needs to improve his anticipation and eye discipline from high zone, as he gets run out of areas by dummy routes following receivers rather than the eyes of the quarterback.
But his elite athleticism, four-down value, positional flexibility, and tackling ability are hard to pass up for a team that needs a young safety.