Front Porch FootballDraft Central: Position Rankings – Volume V – Kickers
by Harris Oates
Ahh, Kickers…a special breed of football players. They bring teams to their highest highs just as fast as they can bring teams to their lowest lows. There are several things that separate kickers from the rest of the NFL positions. There are generally only 32 kickers in the NFL. Good kickers generally last in the NFL for a very long time, usually up into their late 30’s or even early 40’s. Half of the NFL kickers are very good, and the other half of NFL kickers are fighting for their jobs. These 5 prospects are all candidates to fight it out against those unproven kickers for their chance at an NFL job.
1. Cole Tracy
School: LSU
Tracy has been consistent making 22 of the 25 kicks he has attempted with 2 of the 3 missed kicks coming from outside 50 yards (the other coming against Bama). Tracy has the leg strength to have a successful NFL career.
2. John Baron
School: SDSU
Baron has the best combination of accuracy and strength in this class but has a rather small sample size in his career. This season he has successfully made 4 for 4 kicks outside of 50 yards with a long of 54 yards.
3. Rodrigo Blankenship
School: UGA
Perhaps the most popular kicker due to his swag (or lack thereof) Blankenship has made some huge pressure kicks in his career. He will get a shot and could be drafted late, but I am fairly confident he won’t be allowed to try any fake kicks in the NFL. Just stick to kicking, Rodrigo.
4. Clayton Hatfield
School: Texas Tech
Hatfield leads the FBS in Field Goal percentage at 94% but has not even attempted a kick over 50 yards this season. He seems to have great accuracy and composure but lacks leg strength. His consistency should allow him a shot in the NFL next preseason.
5. Matt Gay
School: Utah
Gay has had a breakout season posting several kicks over 50 yards with a long of 55 yards. He has one of the strongest legs in the draft and has potential to be the top dog by draft night.
