The Chargers selected South Carolina edge rusher Kyle Kennard in the fourth round (No. 125 overall pick) in the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday afternoon.

"Blessed beyond measures. It's a dream come true … it's kind of something that's like surreal, so I've been taking it all in," Kennard said.

Kennard, regarded as a solid prospect in the edge rusher class, was Pro Football Focus' No. 81 overall prospect.

PFF wrote:

Kennard shows a good understanding of how to win as a pass-rusher in varying situations in both odd and even fronts. He is lean and long, which is a plus for arm length but a negative when holding up versus the run. His handwork and footwork show a great baseline to build a successful pass-rush profile in the league as a Day 2 selection.

The selection of the 23-year-old Kennard gives the Chargers a dynamic young edge rusher in the position room alongside Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree.

"Khalil is one of the best to ever do it," Kennard said. "I can't wait to be under his tutelage, be his teammate, be dependable for him, whatever else I have to do.

"Just to be alongside one of the greatest ever rush the passer, it's just an opportunity that I can't take lightly," Kennard added.

Kennard, listed at 6-foot-4 and 254 pounds, played four years at Georgia Tech before transferring to South Carolina.

Kennard was a monster this past season as he won the Nagurski Trophy as the nation's top defender and was also the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

He was also a Second-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC selection after tallying 11.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

"I feel like I bring a good mix of both making plays in the backfield and rushing the passer," Kennard said. "I feel like a lot of guys offer a great pass-rushing ability and a lot of guys offer great run-stopping ability.

"I feel like I'm a complete defensive end and I bring it all to the table," Kennard added.

Get all of your Bolts draft news at the Chargers 2025 Draft Hub.