Kyle Dugger sees improvement after ‘below average’ rookie season

Author Alex Barth

July 29th, 2021 6:13 PM

There were few rookies in the NFL in 2020 who exceeded expectations more than Kyle Dugger. The second-round pick out of Division-II Lenoir-Rhyne made an immediate impact for the Patriots defense, that caught the attention of fans both locally and nationally.

However, there’s one notable standout who wasn’t impressed by Dugger’s rookie season – Dugger himself.

“Below average,” Dugger replied, when asked to evaluate his performance in 2020. “That’s really all I can say. It was fun to get the experience and be out there, but it wasn’t a great year.”

It would be hard to find anybody who watched the Patriots last year who would agree with what Dugger said on Thursday. Once he starting seeing regular playing time he was one of the team’s best defensive players, and is a popular candidate for a breakout year in 2021.

• Share

  So what did Dugger see in his performance that everybody else missed? For the 25-year-old, it's all about his comfort level. He added that he feels much more comfortable now, and has come a long way as a player from where he was at this time last year.
  
  "Night and day - just looking at the first couple days of [last year's training] camp, it's a big difference. I'm like a completely different player, and that's great to see, and I can feel that, as well."
  
  "Just the comfortability, the urgency, knowing where I'm supposed to be, and kind of just being calm in it, but still knowing where I need to be, getting there on time, communication," Dugger added, noting that his growth has been well-rounded. "Everything is just a big difference in the pace and the player."
  
  Dugger has quickly become a fan favorite in New England for his performance in 2020. If what he's saying is true, that last year was only the tip of the iceberg of what he can add to the defense, there's going to be a lot more excitement ahead. 

MORE: Patriots Training Camp Day 2 Notebook

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].

Sign me up for the 98.5 The Sports Hub email newsletter!

Get the latest Boston sports news and analysis, plus exclusive on-demand content and special giveaways from Boston's Home for Sports, 98.5 The Sports Hub.

First Name *

Last Name

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.

Author Alex Barth

Category:

• Patriots
• News
• Sports
• The Sports Hub

Tags:

Kyle Dugger,New England Patriots,NFL,patriots,patriots training camp