Winner of the Cliff Harris award, which is given to the best defensive player in NCAA Division II, Dugger won the award while only playing seven games as a senior due to injury. During his senior campaign, Dugger recorded 31 total tackles and 1 tackle for loss, 2 Interceptions and had 4 pass break ups. Dugger also had 2 touchdowns and 175 yards on 12 punt returns.
Key note: Dugger was a medical redshirt during the 2016 season as a sophomore due to injury. Dugger would be allowed to replay his sophomore season in 2017.
Dugger had an impressive college career, playing in 42 games in which Dugger comprised some decent numbers to get the attention of Draft scouts.
Dugger leaves college with 152 solo tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 237 tackles total. The senior was a turnover machine, posting 10 Interception and 6 forced fumbles. Dugger also has 6 fumble recoveries and 2 blocks.
When drafting Dugger the New England Patriots were not just drafting defensive back. Dugger is also a dangerous return specialist. Over his career, Dugger had a 13.9 average on 67 punt returns, that complied for 929 return yards and 6 touchdowns. Dugger also returned 10 kickoffs for 196 yards. Dugger also had 1 carry for 5 yards on offense.
At the combine Dugger did not test in every drill. Dugger posted a 42" vertical and a 134" broad jump. Dugger only had 17 press reps but impressed running a 4.49 forty time. He measured in at 6'1" 217 LBS with massive 10 3/8" hands. Reported to be the largest among defensive backs.
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein said his NFL Comparison was Gerald Sensabaugh. While other scouts had Jarquiski Tartt (TDN), or Harrison Smith (CBS).
NFL.com lists his strengths and weaknesses as the following.
"Strengths
- Looked like a man among boys on tape
- All the athletic gifts under the tree have his name on them
- Rare combination of size, speed and explosiveness
- Production galore in high-impact categories
- Plays with instant twitch to pursue tackles or break on throws
- Swoops down to snatch telegraphed passes
- Bodies up to contest downfield throws
- Can be vengeful striker or controlled, wrap-up tackler
- Clear understanding of leverage in pursuit
- Range for high safety and toughness to play in the box
- Speed and angles to run the alley and derail or contain outside runs
- Posted six career punt return touchdowns
Weaknesses
- Must prove production carries over against better competition
- Looked bored at times with idle motor from back-side
- Inconsistent rush to fill downhill
- Bound a little tightly in his hips
- More reactive than instinctive
- Needs to improve footwork fundamentals
- Eyes get hung up on receivers over diagnosing QB's intentions"
Before I give my final thoughts, here's what 3 other respected writers had to say.
"He has very good versatility to be able to help the team in a variety of ways. Dugger has the range to play deep safety. He can be left alone on an island in a deep zone and still do well. Dugger can also come up and play in the box to help stop the run. His versatility will help him stay on the field in all situations for an NFL team." Joe DiTullio Game Haus
"He has rare traits that cannot be coached, making his development promising. Once Dugger is comfortable, he’ll be a quality starter. Thanks to his size and length, Dugger can be used in many different ways by defensive coordinators. If needed he can line up in the box as an outside linebacker and shifted in the slot to cover receivers." - Joe Deleone Big Blue View
"The debate with Kyle Dugger lies with where he's best implemented. A bit of a tweener, Dugger is at his best in instances where he's tasked with rallying to the football. There's a terrific skill set to work with, mold and develop at the next level but Dugger is an elite athlete who entering the league would benefit from a "find the football" role. Likely puts him on the field as a WILL to start but his dynamic athleticism and stature project best as a developmental SS and special teams ace." - Crabbs Draft Network
My Final thoughts
One thing is clear, Belichick got a versatile defender, that can play special teams. Kyle Dugger was projected a second round pick, Surprisingly Bill actually took him there. Dugger may get burried on the secondary depth chart but his versatility will allow the Patriots to find other uses for him. Expect the Patriots to use him as a Nickle or Dime Back and play quarterback spy role. The Patriots finally found a punt returner but have to wonder can he take over kick return duty. The patriots bring youth to their secondary and it will be exciting to see him perform next to 2019 second round pick Joe Juan Williams
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