Summary

Kyle Dugger was selected in the 2nd Round (#37 Overall) in the 2020 Draft out of Lenoir-Rhyne University. Dugger brings an excellent combination of physical tools (size, speed, versatility) and playmaking ability. He is especially good in run support, has ball skills, and can fill multiple roles in a secondary. His weaker areas are more about the finer points of coverage — processing, change of direction, and consistency. In the right scheme, and with continued development, he can be a cornerstone. If not, his versatility still gives strong value but perhaps with a modest ceiling.

Strengths

• Physical and athletic profile: Dugger brings rare size + speed for his position: for example, he posted a ~4.49 s 40‑yard dash at the combine, showing legitimate straight‑line speed. He’s got the build to play closer to the line, move downhill, and also cover ground deep when needed. Pats Pulpit

• Versatility & hybrid role capability: He’s been used in multiple alignments: deep safety, box safety, even in some linebacker‑type reads. Helps defenses shift him around. Good in run support: he shows willingness and strength to come downhill, fill gaps, make tackles. Bleacher Report

• Playmaking instincts / ball skills: Dugger has demonstrated ability to intercept passes, return turnovers, disrupt plays beyond just being a tackler. Example: pick‑sixes, fumble returns. His range allows him to cover sideline to sideline, track down plays, and influence both run and pass. CBS Sports

• Aggressiveness & physicality: He’s not afraid to hit; plays with a “boom” element — which is valuable especially in run defense or in blitz/support roles. Pats Pulpit

Weaknesses & Areas for Improvement

• Instincts, process & diagnosis in coverage: Some reports say his recognition in coverage (especially complex zone/mixed schemes) isn’t yet elite; he can get caught out of position. His instinctual reads, particularly given he came from a smaller school and lower level of competition, were flagged as needing seasoning. patriots.com

• Short‑area movement / change of direction: While his straight‑line speed is excellent, his agility, quickness in small‑spaces, fluid hip movement were viewed as weaker relative to top tier safeties. For example, when asked to drop, shuffle, react to cutbacks or sudden reversals, he may lag a step compared to elite‑level players.

• Role clarity / specialty vs generalist: Because he is so versatile, there is a question as to where his best fit is: pure center‑field safety, box support strong safety, or hybrid LB role? Some argue he should not be used as the lone deep free‑safety given his movement limitations.

• Durability & consistency: Dugger’s performance dipped somewhat, with noted issues in consistency, tackling, and sustaining top form—partly due to injury. Pats Pulpit

Fit & Outlook

Dugger projects as a high‑value starter at safety, particularly in defenses that value flexibility and has usage for a player who can handle run support, and deep coverage. Ideally, his best role may be as a box/strong safety who occasionally rotates deep rather than traditional “free safety” full‑time. If he continues to refine his coverage instincts, improve his short‑area quickness, and maintain health, he has the potential to be among the upper tier safeties in the league. Conversely, if his movement and diagnosis don’t improve, his ceiling could settle into being a very good starter rather than an elite one.