Every part of that headline is incredible to read, but it’s true, it happened. The New England Patriots just traded up in fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, with the AFC East rival New York Jets, to draft a kicker.

Their selection: Jake Ryland out of Maryland. Ryland was the second-ranked kicker in mock drafts at NFLMockDraftDatabase.com. Ryland played four years at Eastern Michigan before transferring to Maryland for his senior year. He earned a second team All-Big 10 selection in 2022. His .826 career field goal percentage is the best ever by a Maryland kicker with over 20 attempts.

• Here’s what Lance Zierlein had to say about Ryland in his NFL.com draft profile: “Ryland has the leg to make 50-plus-yard field goals and handle kickoffs, but it is nothing special by NFL standards. He will need to improve his overall accuracy and placement to make an NFL team.”

  The Patriots seem to feel good about their ability to develop accuracy in their kickers. Leg strength can’t be coached. They also targeted this type of developmental kicker when they signed undrafted free-agent kicker Quinn Nordin out of Michigan in 2021. But this is different. The Pats traded up to get Ryland in the fourth round, which indicates that they view him as a strong candidate to be their kicker as soon as 2023.

• 

  Sep 10, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Maryland Terrapins place kicker Chad Ryland (38) kicks off during the first quarter against the Charlotte 49ers at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

• New England still has veteran Nick Folk under contract for 2023, but Ryland should be legitimate competition for his spot as the No. 1 kicker and a true incumbent at the position. But this wouldn’t be the first time the Patriots drafted a kicker (Justin Rohrwasser) that didn’t work out long-term.

  The Patriots acquired pick 112 in exchange for picks 120 and 184 in the 2023 NFL Draft.

  Click here for complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

  Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.

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