New York Giants: Devon Kennard Primed for Breakout Season

Will New York Giants outside linebacker Devon Kennard stay healthy enough to put together a Pro Bowl season? What did he change to prevent injuries?

As Devon Kennard starts off his third season in the NFL, could this be the year he breaks out to become an elite Pro Bowl outside linebacker for the New York Giants?

I certainly think this is the year, but health risks are always a concern for Kennard. He doesn’t have a full16-game season under his belt yet. The third-year linebacker only played in nine games this past season and 12 games during his rookie campaign in 2014.

More from New York Giants

When healthy, Kennard is the whole package. He’s a great pass-rusher who can also stop the run.

Plus, he’s good in pass coverage when needed. In his rookie year, he recorded 43 tackles (36 solo), 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

He had a huge standout game against the Tennessee Titans during his rookie season in 2014.

Kennard played at an elite level during the matchup, recording six solo tackles, two sacks, two tackles for a loss and one forced fumble. He was named the Defensive Player of the Week for that stellar performance in Tennessee.

During his 2015 campaign, he recorded 56 tackles (36 solo) and one interception.

Another game that stood out, was the Giants’ Week 4 matchup on the road against the Buffalo Bills. During one particular play, Kennard basically ripped the ball out of tight end Charles Clays‘ hands, which counted as his lone interception for the season.

One major transition for Kennard was switching defensive coordinators. During his rookie year, Perry Fewell led the defense. In the previous season, Steve Spagnuolo re-joined the coaching staff. As a result, you can understand the drop off in play due to learning two different defensive schemes in two years.

According to New York Daily News reporter Ralph Vacchiano, Kennard changed his training regimen, which helped him lose weight during the offseason. He’s trying to prevent recurring problems with his hamstring:

LB Devon Kennard has slimmed down to 251 (from 254) and says he changed his training to try to prevent a recurrence of his hamstring issues.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) April 21, 2016

With two years in the NFL under his belt, I believe this will be the year Kennard brings it all together and plays a full 16-game season. As a healthy starter, he should earn an invite to the Pro Bowl at the end of the year. The Giants need more of his breakout performances with a lot of uncertainty at linebacker.

Among the spots at the position, Kennard is the only clear-cut starter, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano.

If healthy, behind a restocked defensive line, Kennard should develop into a difference maker in the upcoming season.

Home/New York Giants