EL SEGUNDO — The Chargers selected Kyle Kennard, a defensive end from South Carolina, with their fourth-round pick Saturday morning on Day 3 of the three-day NFL draft.

Kennard, who is listed at 6-foot-4 and 254 pounds, adds depth to their edge rushers beyond Khalil Mack. He was chosen 125th overall and with the 23rd pick in the fourth round.

Kennard, 23, was named the Southeastern Conference defensive player of the year in 2024 and was a finalist for the Lombardi Award as the nation’s top offensive or defensive lineman this past season. He led the Gamecocks with 15.5 tackles for losses and was eighth in the nation with 11.5 sacks.

The 34-year-old Mack, who is almost certainly a future Hall of Fame selection, signed a one-season contract last month to play in his 12th season in the NFL. The Chargers’ selection of Kennard likely filled a need at the edge rusher position beyond Mack for years to come.

Tuli Tuipulotu, entering his third NFL season, is the only young edge rusher on the Chargers’ depth chart. Mack and Bud Dupree, who is entering his 11th season in the NFL, are grizzled veterans by any measure. Mack will play his fourth season with the Chargers and Dupree his second.

The Chargers have six remaining picks (Nos. 158, 181, 199, 209, 214 and 256) when the fifth through seventh rounds are conducted later today, including four in the sixth round. Their final three picks are compensatory selections, which gave them 10 overall in the seven-round draft.

More to come on this story.

Related Articles