The Los Angeles Chargers were able to retain two of their top pass rushers in the 2025 Offseason, bringing back Khalil Mack on a one-year deal and extending Bud Dupree for another year.
The Bolts released EDGE rusher Joey Bosa after 9 seasons with the organization — one of the last pieces of the San Diego era. Los Angeles is now looking to improve their depth at the pass rush group with Bosa no longer on the team.
LA drafted Kyle Kennard in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of South Carolina to help fill the void Bosa’s presence will leave behind.
Kennard recorded 11.5 sacks in his final college season, but hasn’t been able to translate that into the NFL preseason. Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez urges Kennard to play better in the next preseason game against the LA Rams.
“Heading into the summer, it was thought that Kennard, the fourth-round pick, would hold the fourth edge rusher spot behind Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Bud Dupree. But it’s been Caleb Murphy who has steadily been creeping his way towards that spot. Murphy’s play on defense and special teams has been superior to what Kennard has shown thus far. The former South Carolina product did not play last weekend against the [New Orleans] Saints, so he must flash on Saturday if he wants to earn playing time this upcoming season,” Borquez wrote.
Kyle Kennard In The Preseason
GettyLos Angeles Chargers defensive end Kyle Kennard.
Kyle Kennard has registered 1 tackle throughout the preseason, against the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame game.
Caleb Murphy, on the other hand, has been taking advantage of every snap with the Chargers. In the preseason matchup against the Saints, he logged 2 sacks and 4 tackles (2 tackles for loss). Murphy had 3 tackles in the Hall of Fame game.
“He’s making a good case [for the 53-man roster]. He’s been making it in practice as well. Really happy for his success. I could see it coming. Humility prevents me from saying I predicted that but the facts are that I did,” Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said of Murphy, via the team website.
Kennard won’t likely lose his place on the roster when the regular season arrives, but could be lower on the depth chart and could get bumped out of the pass rush rotation.
Defensive Coordinator On Kennard
GettyLos Angeles Chargers
Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter will enter his second season with the team and will be evaluating every player heading into the 53-man roster.
With the main trio of pass rushers set, Minter will determine who will be the next man up in the rotation.
“I think he’s still figuring out the best way for him to rush,” Minter said of Kennard. “I think he’ll make a big jump there as we go throughout the preseason. But definitely happy with him for that first game and how he played.”
With two more preseason games left to impress the coaching staff, Kennard can put in performances that will allow him to see the field a lot more during his rookie season.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Chargers 4th Round Pick Urged To Play Better In Preseason appeared first on Heavy Sports.