The Los Angeles Chargers continued their strong showing at the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday by selecting South Carolina defensive end Kyle Kennard with the 125th overall pick.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 254 pounds, Kennard made a big impact for the Gamecocks in 2024, finishing the season with 11.5 sacks on one of the nation’s toughest defenses. He now joins third-round pick Jamree Caldwell from Oregon as part of L.A.’s effort to bolster their defense.
Much like Caldwell, the early reviews for Kennard’s selection have been overwhelmingly positive. USA Today’s Ayrton Ostly awarded the Chargers an “A” grade for the pick, praising Kennard’s fit within their system.
“Kennard is a twitchy, high-energy, and productive edge rusher with impressive size and long arms,” Ostly wrote. “He tallied 24 sacks during his college career at two different schools and should be an excellent addition for the Chargers right away.”
The Chargers’ 2025 draft started strong with the selection of North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton in Round 1, followed by Ole Miss wide receiver Tre Harris in Round 2 — giving quarterback Justin Herbert another big-play weapon alongside Ladd McConkey.
With six picks still remaining — including four in the sixth round — it’s unlikely Los Angeles will hold onto all of them, so more moves could be on the horizon.
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