2025 NFL Draft Early Scouting Report: Kyle Kennard, Flip from South Carolina
Kyle Kennard, a highly sought-after defensive back, made a high-profile commitment flip from South Carolina to a more prominent contender in the SEC, sending ripples through recruiting circles. This decision positions him as one of the most intriguing prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. A 6’1″, 195-pound cornerback, Kennard combines a combination of speed, length, and athleticism that makes him a versatile player at the next level.
Kennard’s athleticism is evident in both his agility and reaction times. His speed allows him to keep up with wide receivers on deep routes, while his long wingspan helps him break up passes and contest catches in tight spaces. As a flip recruit, he’s motivated to prove that his early decision to leave South Carolina was a stepping stone toward greatness, not a setback. His fluid movement in man-to-man coverage and ability to read quarterbacks make him a potential Day 1 selection if he continues to develop at his current rate.
In terms of technique, Kennard is a physical cornerback who thrives in press coverage. He has shown the ability to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage, which disrupts the timing of plays, giving him an edge over other defensive backs. His ability to make quick adjustments in zone coverage and his high football IQ have impressed scouts, but there’s room to refine his deep-ball tracking and reaction on high-speed routes.
Despite his clear potential, Kennard will need to improve his consistency with tackling and leverage in run support. He’s been noted to struggle when engaging blockers, which is an area of concern for NFL teams evaluating his readiness to be an every-down player. Nevertheless, Kennard’s talent, combined with his experience in a competitive SEC environment, makes him an exciting prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
