Unlike last year when six kickers were drafted, most in five years, the 2010 crop boost only one top prospect and a bunch on undistinguished specialist. At the head of the class is Michigan’s punter Zoltan Mesko. The 6-foot-4, 234 pounder is the only kicker projected to go in the early stages of Day 2.
But what this class lacks on top tier talent, they more than make it up with depth. In fact, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see as many as seven specialists from the 2010 class playing on Sundays in the fall.
With this in mind, here’s a look at some kickers and punters that should receive consideration come April.
Punters
1. Mesko: Easily the top athlete at his position. He has a powerful leg drive. The ball tends to explode off his foot. He needs to improve his technique, more pressing, his leg drop, which is a tad too low. But overall, his far and head the top player of this class.
Projection: Fourth Round
2. Brent Bowden, Virginia Tech (6’3”, 204, 4.79): A solid prospect without any outstanding quality. Is very consistent punter with a tall drop point and smooth kicking motion. On the downside, he does not posses the strongest leg out there. He also has some accuracy issues when punting against the wind.
Projection: Sixth Round
Kickers
1. Brett Swenson, Michigan State (5’7”, 177, 5.00): The best short-to-mid kicker in the draft, Swenson will offer the team that draft him a consistent performed who will not get rattle. Is a clutch player coming huge in big time situation. Has good mechanics and leg drive. The only knock on him is his lack of power. The ball does not explode off his foot. Nevertheless, his skill set and intangibles are tailor made for dome teams.
Projection: Seventh Round
2. Aaron Pettrey, Ohio State (6’0”, 180, 4.95): A great athlete with strong enough leg to make all the kicks. The big drawback on him is his lack of passion. He wasn’t even the staring kicker on his team prior to 2009 despite clearly being the best. His mechanics, specially, his sweeps, needs more refinement. As it is, Pettrey should gather a late round flyer by a desperate club.
Projection: Seventh Round
2 comments:
Great article!
Mark Petro, Hillsdale College (5'10", 185 lbs, 4.85) If not for Jared Veldheer, nobody would have heard of Petro (and probably not Hillsdale College), but he is an incredibly accurate kicker, who is unbelievably clutch. At Hillsdale's ProDay Petro hit 12 for 14 fieldgoals, including going 2-3 from 50+, including a 55 yarder against the wind with 3-5 yards to spare.
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