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Report: Patriots ‘in contact’ with one of the top kickers in the 2021 NFL Draft

A year after selecting kicker Justin Rohrwasser in the fifth round of the draft, could the Patriots look to add another young leg to their roster this April?

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 30: Place kicker Evan McPherson #19 of the Florida Gators misses a field goal against the Oklahoma Sooners during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 30, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

(Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

(Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

A year after selecting kicker Justin Rohrwasser in the fifth round of the draft, could the Patriots look to add another young leg to their roster this April? That may be the case, given a report from Friday.

According to The Draft Network's Justin Melo, the Patriots are one of 16 teams who have "been in contact" with Florida kicker Evan McPherson. McPherson is considered to be one of, if not the best kicking prospect in this year's draft.

McPherson was a three-year starter at Florida, and announced back in January he'd forego his senior season to enter this year's draft. In his three years at Florida he hit 85 percent of his field goals (51 of 60), the highest all-time career percentage by any SEC kicker with a minimum of 15 attempts. Last season, he set a new career long when he hit a 55 yarder against Ole Miss.

The Patriots starting kicker job for 2021 is currently blurry at best. Nick Folk, who was excellent last season, is set to enter free agency next week. The team also has two 'project' kickers, Rohrwasser and Roberto Aguayo, on minimum one-year contracts.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

Alex Barth is a digital content producer and on-air host for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Barth grew up in the Boston area and began covering the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox in 2017 before joining the Hub in 2020. He now covers all things Boston Sports for 985TheSportsHub.com as well as appearing on air. Alex writes about all New England sports, as well as college football. You can follow him across all social media platforms at @RealAlexBarth.