Felger and Mazz Big Board: Kickers and Punters in the 2022 NFL Draft
Last year, the Felger & Mazz Big Board hit on a couple of talented kickers. Can they do it again in 2022?
As Felger has pointed out a few times this week, kicker and punter are both sneaky needs for the Patriots. Kicker Nick Folk is 37 years old, while punter Jake Bailey is entering the final year of his deal and due just over $4 million, most of which would come off the cap if the team can move on from him.
Last year the Felger and Mazz Big Board hit on some big time specialists, including Bengals playoff hero Evan McPherson. Will any of these kickers have that kind of impact in 2022? Will it be for the Patriots?
K Jonathan Garibay, Texas Tech
Oct 16, 2021; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders place kicker Jonathan Garibay (46) kicks the point after against the Kansas Jayhawks during the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Strengths:
--Big, athletic kicker
--Consistent, repeatable mechanics
--Outstanding range, going well beyond 60 yards in normal weather
Weaknesses:
--Untested in weather
--One year of experience
(Source: Athlon Sports)
K Cade York, LSU
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 02: Cade York #36 of the LSU Tigers kick a field goal during the first half against the Auburn Tigers at Tiger Stadium on October 02, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Strengths:
--Success rate of 84.6 percent on field goal attempts over the last two years
--Has hit 50-plus yard field goals at a 78.9 percent rate for his career
--Well-schooled and known as a self-fixer
Weaknessses:
--Did not handle kickoff duties at LSU
--Pulls the ball left on many of his misses
--Onside kicks were easy to handle for return teams
(Source: NFL.com)
P Jordan Stout, Penn State
Strengths:
--Drive power, with nearly 30 percent of his punts traveling 50-plus yards
--Produced very low touchback rate
--Quick operation time with ability to punt with two- or three-step approach
Weaknesses:
--Lacks determination in rare coverage opportunities
--Average directional punter
(Source: NFL.com)
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