Because Lenior-Rhyne safety Kyle Dugger played at the Division II level in college, his projection for the NFL is a little more complicated. Dugger played all over his team’s defense at free safety, strong safety and linebacker and also served as a punt returner. So pegging his place on the New England Patriots defense isn’t as simple as calling him a safety. That’s probably what he’ll play, but he’ll probably have a dynamic role.
Patriots safety Devin McCourty, who has 10 years of experience in New England’s system, weighed in out how Dugger might fit.
“I’m excited to just get him in our defense,” McCourty said Sunday on his “Double Coverage” podcast on YouTube. Because Lenior-Rhyne safety Kyle Dugger played at the Division II level in college, his projection for the NFL is a little more complicated so it’ll be fun.”
New England traded out of the first round, at 23rd overall, which made Dugger their top selection at 37th overall in the second round. At first, the move struck fans as a surprise. No one had heard of Lenior-Rhyne. But Dugger was thought to be a second-round prospect, even if he’d competed at a lower level of competition. Some viewed that as one of the cons to draft him him. McCourty, however, sees the DII label as a positive.
“Once we drafted him, just seeing his combine results (and that he’s a) small-school guy, so he’s going to have a huge chip on his shoulder. I think he’s going to fit right in,” McCourty said. “Coming in as a small-school guy, coming in as a guy that when you get drafted, people are like, ‘Why’d they pick him?’ — I love getting guys like that. I felt like I was the same way coming into the league (as the 27th overall pick in 2010), and I’m sure he’ll be like that. … Anytime you get young guys in there that just want to learn and play, it’s so exciting watching them develop, so he’s going to be like the rest of those guys, I’m sure — eager to get going.”
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