DawgTalkers.net Forums The Archives 2013 NFL Season NFL Draft (2013) The Kickers (we need one)

Maybe in the 6th round, or else UDFA ...

Following are the top PK, according to NFL.com (Brett Maher info from CBS / NFLDraftscout.com):

Dustin Hopkins - Florida St.
6-2, 193

Overview
Hopkins has been considered one of the top kickers in the country since his days as a high school All-American from Houston, Texas. He made his first field goal attempt as a collegian, a 52-yarder against in-state rival Miami, and later in that true freshman season put four kicks through the uprights against West Virginia in the team’s Gator Bowl victory.
He continued to impress as a sophomore, leading the ACC in scoring with 119 points, booming a 55-yard kick through the uprights in the closing seconds to beat Clemson, and once again hitting four field goals in the team’s postseason game (26-17 Chick-fil-A Bowl win over South Carolina). Hopkins was named first-team All-ACC and named a finalist for the Lou Groza Award in 2011, leading the conference with 8.46 points per game and making 22 of 27 field goal attempts. He was also a finalist for the Wuerffel award for his excellence on the field, in the classroom and in community service.
As a senior, Hopkins was 25 for 30 in field goal attempts, including a 4-for-5 performance against the rival Miami Hurricanes. Hopkins also became the NCAA FBS all-time kick scorer with 459 points. His 2012 performance earned him 2012 AP All-American second-team honors.
Hopkins offers a bonus to scouts as a kickoff specialist, forcing a solid 137 touchbacks in 347 boots over the past three years, and has only missed one extra-point in his career.

Analysis
Strengths - Consistent, upright three-step approach on placements. Good trajectory on kicks, gets them up quickly with a strong downward strike on the ball. Misses are just outside of the uprights to the left or right, not major misfires. Flashes 55-yard range with NFL-caliber height on the kicks, not line-drives. Excellent strength and height on kickoffs, times well over 4.0 seconds consistently and gets the ball to the middle or front part of the end zone even with nice trajectory.

Weaknesses - Needs to show that he can make the game-winning kick with everything on the line. Must be consistent in the urgency of his approach on placements against NFL rushers.

NFL Comparisons - Billy Cundiff, Stephen Gostkowski

Bottom Line - Consistent, upright three-step approach on placements. Good trajectory on kicks, gets them up quickly with a strong downward strike on the ball. Misses are just outside of the uprights to the left or right, not major misfires. Flashes 55-yard range with NFL-caliber height on the kicks, not line-drives. Excellent strength and height on kickoffs, times well over 4.0 seconds consistently and gets the ball to the middle or front part of the end zone even with nice trajectory. A potential special teams weapon.



Caleb Sturgis - Florida
5-10, 188

Overview
Sometimes you don’t what you’ve got until it’s gone. The Gators found this to be true in 2010 when Sturgis missed the last nine games of the season with a back injury suffered in the preseason. They lost three straight games after he went down, including two home games by a total of seven points where punter Chas Henry missed three field goal attempts. Florida didn’t even try a field goal the entire month of November (though Henry redeemed himself with a 3-for-3 effort against Penn State in an Outback Bowl win).
Sturgis returned healthy for his junior year, however, and became one of the top kickers in the country. He was a finalist for the Lou Groza Award after connecting on 22 of 26 field goal attempts including a 55-yarder against Furman. It was the first season he connected on every extra point try (31-31, was 65-70 over his first three years) He also had made 22 field goals as a sophomore in 2008 (on 30 attempts), belting the longest kick of the season in the SEC when he sent a 56-yard attempt through the uprights against Georgia. Sturgis was a kickoff specialist as a true freshman, and has continued in that duty ever since. As a senior, Sturgis made 24 of 28 attempts. He also improved his touchback percentage on kickoffs from a dismal 17 percent in 2011 to 45 percent in 2012.

Analysis
Strengths - Flashes the ability to hit strong, high field goals in the 45-52 yard range and drive kicks through the uprights from 55-plus yards away. Has improved his field goal accuracy over time. Shows mental toughness in bouncing back from misses.

Weaknesses - Only adequate size for the position. Inconsistent in his trajectory on both shorter kicks and when driving the ball low to get a bit extra once past 50-plus yards. May need to speed up his approach on placements, his three-step delivery can be a bit slow. Kickoffs reaching the end zone are a bit lower than scouts prefer, and could be brought out by NFL returners.

NFL Comparison - Phil Dawson

Bottom Line - Now two years off a back injury that cost him most of the 2010 season, Sturgis has enough leg strength and accuracy to have earned All-American honors in two consecutive seasons.


Quinn Sharp - Oklahoma St.
6-1, 189

Overview
Sharp has displayed ability as both a kicker and a punter. He’s earned All-American honors as both a kicker (2011, 2012) and punter (2010) from the Football Writers Association of America during his career, and was the first specialist to be selected first-team All-Big 12 at both positions. He was named the conference’s Special Teams Player of the Year in both 2011 and 2012 for his efforts.
Sharp has averaged over 46 yards a punt for three straight years (46.3 in 2012 and 2011, 46.2 in 2010) and converted 22 of 25 field goal attempts (88 percent) is his first year working on placements, followed by going 28 for 34 (82 percent) his senior season.
Sharp has logged 384 kickoffs in his four-year career, 220 of which have gone for touchbacks. In 2012, 70 percent of Sharp's kickoffs went for touchbacks.

Analysis
Strengths - Good leg strengths on kickoffs, capable of putting the ball through the end zone. Ball explodes off foot on placements, gets up quickly and appears to have 50-plus yard range if given the opportunity. Booms punts with 5.0 second-plus hangtime when trying to put the ball inside the 20. Adjusts to low and high snaps adeptly. Has a thicker build, had six solo tackles on returns in 2009.

Weaknesses - Three-step approach on punts, only adequate delivery time (1.35-1.45 seconds). Inconsistent hangtime and distance on longer punts and kickoffs, gives returners a better chance at a long return. Distance on pooch punts is wild, goes from in the end zone to outside the 20. Unusual approach on some placements; stands with feet together, pounds left foot first and then takes two steps to the spot. Other times he’ll use a more typical three-step approach with a heavy first step.

NFL Comparison - Lawrence Tynes

Bottom Line - Rare triple kicking threat in college who will flourish as a kickoff specialist in the NFL and could grow into a solid field goal kicker or punter with experience.


Dan Conroy - Michigan St.
5-10, 186

Overview
No matter how tempting a scholarship offer can be, the chance for a high school recruit to play for his favorite college football team can be too precious to pass up. Conroy’s passion for his father’s alma mater pushed him to East Lansing instead of taking Western Michigan’s full ride –- and so far it’s worked out well for both parties. Now NFL scouts are looking at Conroy as a potential kicker for Sundays, if he can continue to show the leg strength and accuracy needed to perform that role.
An all-state kicker from Wheaton, Ill., Conroy also starred on the Warrenville High lacrosse team. The Eagle scout redshirted his first year with MSU, then played four games the following year, connecting on a 43-yard attempt and kicking off nine times (one touchback). He finally received that scholarship before the 2010 season, a year where he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from league coaches after connecting on 14 of 15 field goal attempts (the 93.3 percent accuracy mark ranked fifth in the FBS). His accuracy dropped in 2011 (17-for-23 on field goals, 73.9 percent), but he made two big kicks in overtime to beat Georgia in the Outback Bowl to show scouts his competitiveness. As a senior, Conroy went 23 of 32 (71.9 percent) and was 25 for 25 on extra points.

Analysis
Strengths - Solid leg strength as a field goal kicker, has 50-52 yard range when in rhythm. Has a consistent approach and attacks the ball, usually getting good trajectory and rotation off his foot to send shorter kicks over the goal posts. Does not get rattled by poor snaps, stays with the kick to complete it. Capable of pulling kicks across his body with due to wide college hashmark angles. Most misses are slight, accuracy should be improved with more straight-on kicks at the next level. Competitor who welcomes the chance to make kicks to tie or win games.

Weaknesses - Average size and strength for the position. Does not kick off for the Spartans, might not have elite leg strength to consistently prevent returns in the NFL or connect on 55-60 yard field goal attempts. Could speed up the start of his approach a bit, though if he rushes his kicks his trajectory lessens and accuracy suffers greatly.

NFL ComparisonOlindo Mare

Bottom Line - Conroy lit up the Big Ten as a redshirt sophomore, making 14 of 15 field goal attempts on his way to first-team all-conference honors. The former walk-on (he turned down a scholarship offer from Western Michigan to go to his father’s alma mater) couldn’t quite match that performance in 2011 or 2012, but still has enough leg for teams to give him a look in training camp.


Brett Maher - Nebraska
6-0, 186

Overview
Maher continued Nebraska's long line of outstanding kickers and punters over the past two seasons. Maher completed his Husker career in 2012, and he left a significant mark in the NU record book with his performance the past two seasons. A Kearney native, Maher was one of five former walk-ons who were awarded a scholarship for the 2012 season. Maher made 20-of-27 field goals, while connecting on all 59 of his PAT attempts. His 20 field goals as a senior are second on the NU season chart, bettering his 2011 total by one. Maher scored 119 points to set a Nebraska record for most points scored in a season by a kicker. He ranked third overall in the Big Ten in scoring and first among kickers. In 2012, Maher had four games with three field goals, giving him six games with three or more field goals in his career. He also connected on three field goals beyond 50 yards this season, giving him six career field goals of at least 50 yards. Maher's efforts as a kicker earned him first-team All-Big Ten honors for the second straight season and also the Bakken-Andersen Big Ten Kicker-of-the-Year Award for the second straight season. Maher also handled the punting duties the past two seasons and averaged 41.8 yards per punt in 2012. He placed 18 punts inside the opponent 20, while also booming 17 punts of at least 50 yards. He was a second-team All-Big Ten choice as a punter by the coaches. Maher also handled kickoff duties and had 57 touchbacks in 96 kickoffs in 2012.

Analysis
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The ability to be both a kicker and a punter is why I like Quinn Sharp.

I had to laugh at the way they raved about Hopkins and then used Billy Cundiff as an NFL comparison ... wait, what? Doesn't Billy Cundiff pretty much blow, or am I mixing him up with someone else? Okay, Gostkowski's pretty good, but still. Hopkins sounds like the cream of the crop, but the idea of saving a roster spot by having a good P/PK (Quinn), not to mention a touchback machine on kickoffs, sounds like a good idea.

I count on the Browns to have a good kicker. They'll find one, and when he makes a costly error or head scratching play, that's when to worry about the kicker. I couldn't tell a good kicker from a bad kicker except for how he makes his kicks. It is the one thing about football I haven't thought about in yearssss and I"m not about to start now.
But I'll sure complain if they don't get a good one.
They shouldn't have to use a draft pick on one.

Woooo. Woooo!

Slow your roll there fella's (and/ or ladies). Having a guy that can do both does not save a roster spot. 2 kickers (usually PK and Punter) suit up for every game.
Could you imagine having only one and him getting injured. It's one thing when a PK has to punt from injury to get you through the game, but to lose both in one massive swoop? Insanity.
Not to mention, you'd have to go out and sign both the same week if your "one-guy" gets injured.

Might as well take the best place-kicker and the best punter (separately).

LOL, its the Browns fan in you that not only fears losing a player, but expects it. I get what you're saying, and you're right about the risk. But it wouldn't be that hard, imo, to add both a P and a PK in a week. There will be 20 or so of both available after the final TC cut, waiting for a call.

It's the Browns' fan in me that fears fate. As hilarious as Wes Welker's PAT was against us, that ball was u-g-l-y. Could you imagine a 30 or 40 yard attempt.I'd mention a 50 but that wouldn't even be considered.

And Joe Thomas lines up for the kick...it's up...oooh,whammy! Just couldn't get it done...

Besides, would you really want to rely on Brandon Weeden to pooch punt the whole game?

What happens during a game if the K/P is hurt? Who takes over? I don't think having one guy do both duties works in the modern NFL. I think it's better to have it be 2 people so they can each focus and spend all their training on perfecting their skill rather than juggling two jobs.

I don't know how old you are, but I'm old enough to remember when there were not that many "specialists". Punter and kickers played a position. Gary Collins was a damn good punter. Lou Groza played OT in the early part of his career. I remember RB Paul Hornung kicking for the Packers in the 60's. In a way, I liked the game better that way. But then again, I don't like the DH in baseball either ... just another grouchy old man.

I'm just guessing that most teams have backup plans for that contingency. Remember, most of these guys were the best athlete on their HS teams and a lot of them probably did the P and PK chores. I played football in HS and I wasn't our punter or kicker, but we all grew up punting and trying field goals. In a college phys-ed elective - touch football - I once drilled a 45 yd FG during warmup. Dead center, room to spare. I coulda been somebody ...

In the middle of a game, the other specialist usually does both jobs. The next day the team is usually auditioning a replacement for the injured player. (if the injury is serious)

Teams might choose to pooch punt from an offensive formation, or just plain go for it on 4th down ...... and may forgo kick attempts if they don't feel that anyone can male them.

I seem to recall a kicker getting hurt once fairly recently, and an OL or a DL kicked for them in that one game. I can't remember who it was though.

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NFL Comparison - Phil Dawson

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Caleb Sturgis.....I want him.

Suh and Welker both tries PAT's a couple years back. Suh missed. Can't remember the last time a non-kicker actually made a field goal.

I would say the odds are good that on every NFL team, some player kicked at one point. I would identify that player and have him kick some in practice every week.

He may not make 50 yarders, but I would think most anyone who kicked before can make a 35 yarder on a regular basis if they get some practice time.

I wouldn't want my SuperBowl riding on it, but it might work out that way.


If teams don't plan ahead and seek back-ups for both kicker and punter....I mean next play, in game guys, they need a new head coach.


You need to work those guys at least a couple times a week for 10-15 kicks. Then the next Monday you bring in guys who would be called real kickers.

But we can just get Kickalicious.

Or you sign someone like Havard Rugland out of Norway to the practice squad. He could probably do both in a pinch.

I can also remeber Don Cockroft handling the P/K duties and Gary Collins was a good punter also.

I forgot to mention that Ken Konz played DHB,also doing some punting and punt/kick-off return and Sam Baker who handled the K duties in '60 whilt The Toe was out due to back injury was also our punter. Don't foret these double duty P/K position players:George Blanda QB/K,Sammy Baugh QB/P

During the early fifties Chubby Grigg who was an OT/DT also did some FG and PAT duties with the Toe. Now back to finish cooking and a very joyous,blessed Easter to all.

Didn't Ochocinco make a field goal and kick off for Cinncinati a few years back?

I did look it up though (curiosity I suppose).

Wes Welker kicked a PAT and field goal in 2004. He also returned both a kickoff and a punt. Apparently had a tackle too.

Against New England, no less. Two years later they sign him...go figure

O-lines generally get shuffled with injury.
I believe Schwartz is 2nd team LT and Miller is 2nd team RT
Obviously whoever loses the battle between Greco and Pinkston will be the back up Guard. Though I'm not sure who the 2nd team center is...

You do bring up a valid point, though. If we needed a spot for a legitimate back-up center, the long snapper would be the odd man out on special teams, not either of the two kickers.

I remember Greco being the backup guard and center, but could be wrong. Perhaps he would slide over if starting at LG or just replace Mack.

I believe that Greco can play Center, though he was a Tackle in college IIRC.

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What happens during a game if the K/P is hurt? Who takes over? I don't think having one guy do both duties works in the modern NFL.

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The only benefit to having one who can do both is because he's a solid back-up. No way do the Browns draft one guy and expect him to kick and punt.. won't happen.

I think the Browns should make some trades, acquire future draft picks, clear some salary cap and then use those picks to trade up and go after Ross Martin from Duke as a kicker when he becomes eligible..