Kyle Dugger, a third-year safety for the New England Patriots, is a rising talent who will have a breakout season for the team in 2022. Dugger participated largely in basketball at Whitewater High School; he didn’t start playing football until his senior year.
In 15 games, Dugger recorded 92 tackles and four interceptions for the regular season in 2021. The 2020 second-round pick is expected to remain a crucial part of the Patriots secondary in the upcoming campaign after producing at a rate that contributed to some fantasy utility
Lenoir-Rhyne, an NCAA Division II school in North Carolina, Berry College, an NCAA Division III institution, and Reinhardt University, an NAIA member, where the three institutions that offered Dugger.
Prior to taking over as the Bears’ primary cornerback right away, Dugger sat out his rookie season. He wore a redshirt during his rookie season and played cornerback, but before his sophomore season, a meniscus injury caused him to switch positions.
He had three interceptions and three fumble recoveries during his junior season. Dugger participated in the 2020 Senior Bowl, where scouts praised his game-playing instincts.
Due to his mobility on the field, Dugger was anticipated to play safety, cornerback, or returner in the NFL. In the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected Dugger with the 37th overall choice.
He was the first participant in that selection to have prior playing experience outside of Division I FBS. Dugger’s first career interception of Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott occurred in Week 6’s 29-35 overtime loss to the Cowboys.
The next week, Dugger had his second straight game with a pick when he intercepted Jets quarterback Mike White in the 54-13 triumph.