Kicking System Blog

April 23rd, 2009

Here is a analysis of the AFC North for specialists.

1) Balitmore Ravens: K – Steve Hauschka, P – Sam Kock.  For now the Ravens have Hauschka on the roster who wend 1 for 2 last year with his only make from 54 yards.  The Ravens are looking for Matt Stovers successor and may use a draft pick here to get another one. Possibilites include Buehler, Swank from Wake Forest and a host of others. Hauschka has some decent kickoffs but not much expierence, look for him to compete with an incoming draft pick. Koch has a 45 yard punting average and 39 net (6th in the NFL).  For his good work he has signed a one year deal worth 1.5 million back in March.  Look for the compeition in the field goal department, punting is solid. Interesting to note, I think the Ravens will still have Stover avaialable if the new kids on the block dont produce, keep that in mind.

2) Cinninnati Bengals: K – Shayne Graham, P – Kyle Larson.  Graham went 87% last season and 91% the year before.  He also had a 63 yard kickoff average. Graham one the most accurate kickers in the NFL (Pro Bowl in 05′) has earned the respect of many thru the last few years.  He also gained popularity be getting the franchise tag this past off-season. It means he will be one the highest paid kickers coming up this season. For the punting, Larson punted for the Bengals last season with a 39 yard punting average and 34 yard net.  With these kind of numbers the Bengals have signed Ryan Plackmier who punted for the Washington Redskins last season in 10 games. Larson signed a 5-year deal in March of 08′.  He is supposed to make 1 million this upcoming year. Rumor has the Bengals interested in local prosect Kevin Huber from the the Universtiy of Cinnatnnati as well.  Huber an All-American, is one the best punters in the draft this year. Look for the Bengals to draft Huber is he still around in the later rounds.

3.Clevland Browns:  K- Phil Dawson, P-Dave Zastudil. Dawson had a 83% ratio on his field goals and a 64.4 yard kickoff average. Zastudil had a 45.5 yard punt average and a 39.4 yard net average.  Zastuduil signed a 5-year contract last season and has not faltered.  Dawson has earned to respect of many and can be called the greatest kicker in Browns history.  Its possible the Browns may pick up a free agent combo kicker to lighten the load.

4) Pittsburg Steelers: K – Jeff Reed, P – Mitch Berger  . Reed was 87% last season and had a 62 yard kickoff average. Reed has had some off the field issues, but remains solid on the field.  Reed now hass 733 points second all time to Gary Anderson in Pittsburg History. Berger, the punter, was signed a few times during the 2008 season. First due to the injury to Daniel Sepulvda who tore his ACL in the summer.  The second was due to Paul Enrnster being inconsistent. Look for the Steelers to bring in some competition for Berger. I doubt it will be thru the draft but I don’t think the Steelers see Berger as their long-term punter.

Look for more from www.kickingsystem.com all this week

Player Breakdown: Punter, Kevin Huber, University of Cincinnati 6-1 / 221 lbs

Huber has great numbers and has won a dozen awards. I will not bore you with all that, but I have seen Huber kick in person and he has a great leg, huge leg.  The knock is that he may be a little slow on his get off times coaches think that due to his three-step approach. But he is a lefty and coaches love that because they think returners have a tougher time handling the ball. Huber is the best punter of the crop this year. Good size and good mechanics. I would be surprised if he goes un-drafted. I think he will get drafted in the 3rd-5th round.

Key Note: Draft history of punters of the last few years:

April 22nd, 2009

The Kansas City Chiefs may have found competition for Connor Barth.  Carlos Martinez, an arena league kicker with the Colmbus Lions, will have a shot in veterns mini camp to show the Chiefs wat he can do. See below article for more details.

Article

April 22nd, 2009

Here is the break down for the NFL 2009 Draft for the NFC South.

1) Atlanta Falcons: K Jason Elam, P – Michael Koenan . Elam had a fantastic year hitting 93.5 percent on his field goals with a long of 50 yards. Elam does not do kickoffs because Koenan handles them, Koenan had a 40 yard average and a 37 yard net average. Although his numbers may not show, Koenan had a franchise tag placed on him and signed a one year 2.48 million dollar contract.  It’s safe to say he will be Falcon for another year. Elam is classic when it comes to kicking, as well as clutch.  Expect the Falcons to maybe pick a free agent to help lighten the load early on.

2) Carolina Panthers: K – Rhys Lloyd & John Kasay , P – Jason Baker. Lloyd was used primarily as a kickoff specialist. And he is the best at it in the NFL with 30 touch-backs. Kasay hit 90% on field goals with a long of 50, Kasay has been a stud; one of my favorite kickers all-time. Between him and Lloyd the Panthers are set in the kicking game.  Baker had a 44 yard average and a 37 yard net.  Panthers could possibly pick up a punter to push Baker, but with three specialist on the roster, don’t expect to much movement.

3) New Orleans Saints: K – Garrett Hartley, P – Glenn Pakulak. Hartley had a perfect season last year, only because he played 8 games. He is expected to be the starter and his job to loose. But after last years early season woes at kicking, expect the Saints to find a solid kicker via free agency. Pakulak has done well and helped solidify the special teams for the Saints. Some key punts late in the season have added confidence to the punting game.  The Saints have some great young specialists that can be great for years to come. I still think the Saints front office will be watching we a close eye due to the woes of former players over the last couple of years.

4) Tampa Bay Bucanneers: K- Matt Bryant, P Josh Bidwell. Bryant hit 84% of his field goals and had a 62.9 yard kickoff average. Bryant had a tough year off the field, dealing with the loss of his 3-year old son, but still performed well. Bryant has steadily worked himself into the elite kicking group in the NFL. Bidwell, had a 44.5 yard average and a 37 yard net average. A terrific angle directional punter, has posted some solid numbers over the years. Look for the Bucs to add a free agent as insurance.

Inside Look

David Buehler, Kicker, USC 6-2 230lbs

From the outsdie looking in, you would think Buehler would be a shoe in on draft day.  I still think he can get drafted, his performance at the combine and late season misses may have hurt his stock to be a every game field goal kicker for now.  His power speaks for itself, his kickoffs have now become legendary. I heard them during USC home games and I am based out of San Diego! (48 touchbacks / 55% ratio)  But his short game is another matter. Rumors have been flying, about how his missed every kick from 50 yards and on at the NFL Combine. BUT he did show he is an athlete, 4.55 40 at the combine and 25 reps of 225, unheard of for a kicker. Also I am unsure about how he will handle weather and pressure. Playing for USC he never had a opportunity to kick under pressure situation, and last time I checked I cant remember the last time it rained in SoCal. Look for Buehler to get drafted in the late rounds, or picked quickly as a free agent.

Video of Buehler:

Look for more every day from www.kickingsystem.com

April 21st, 2009

Here is a breakdown for the NFL Western Division and specialists for the upcoming NFL Draft 2009.

1) St. Louis Rams: K – Josh Brown, P – Donnie Jones. Brown (one of the highest paid kickers) had a stellar year hitting 86% of his field goals and averaging 68 yards per kickoff. After signing a big contract and having a great first year in it; I think the Rams have one of the premier kickers in the league.  Jones, the punter, also had a great year with a 50 yard punt average and a 41 yard net average. He was snubbed for the pro bowl and hope to see him there this year. I think you have another terrific tandem here that can rivals anyone in the NFL, if not the best.  Don’t look for much activity here on draft day or there after.

2) Arizona Cardinals: K- Neil Rackers, P – Ben Graham.  Rackers hit a impressive 89% of his field goals (long of 54) and a 63 yard kickoff average. After a dismal 07 season, Rackers got back on track and looked great at times. Graham only average 41 yards a punt and the Cardinals have all ready made a free agent move (Dec 08) by picking up Waylon Prather a rookie out of San Jose State. Prather had a stint with Saints in 2008 and was a member of the Jets and almost got into action a few times from the practice squad. Look for the two to compete in mini camp and pre-season. Unless Prather fires blanks I think the Cards are set for specialists.

3) San Francisco Forty-Niners: K – Joe Nedney, P – Andy Lee.  Nedney hit 88% of field goals and had a 63 yard kickoff average. Going into his 15th season, I think Nedney is a machine and the only thing that can stop him is injury.  Lee was 4th in the NFL in average at 47.8 and 9th in net average at 39 yards. Selected to the 08 Pro Bowl, Lee has established himself as one the best.  He is also tied into a long term contract to 2012 which gives him 6 years for 7.1 million contract. Maybe the 49ers might pick up a camp leg. But don’t expect much.

4) Seattle Seahawks: K- Olindo Mare. P – Jon Ryan.  Mare hit at a 88% clip on field goals and averaged 66 yards on kickoffs. Another good year for the 14 year vet. But wait! The Seahawks have another kicker on the roster, Brandon Coutu, a 2nd year kicker from Georgia. Coutu impressed during the pre-season and had a game-winner in Chicago. But remains on the sidelines.  It reamins a unsual situation as why a NFL team would carry two good kickers. How long can it last? All I know that if Coutu is let go, the Chiefs should pick him up.  Seahawks could be scared if something happend to Mare and have Coutu for insurance. Ryan, the punter, on the other hand had a great season 45 yard punt average with a 37.9 net average. If Coutu is let go early, look for Seattle to bring a combo specialist to push both.

Inside Look:

Louie Sakoda: PK University of Utah

“King Louie” as he is sometimes called. Had a great college career. Was a finalist for the Ray Guy and Graza awards, something that has never been d0ne before. In my eyes, I never saw him as a punter. The kid can take pressure, but in the NFL you need to do that and have power. His leg strength is suspect after 50 yards. His kickoffs are not impressive and I think thats will land him out of the draft. I think a team will pick him up after the draft and bring him into camp and give him a chance to compete. But I dont expect him to stick around long unless he improves his leg strength.

Look for more from www.kickingsystem.com this week as there is plenty more about specialist and the NFL Draft 2009

April 20th, 2009

Here is the second post for the TKS Draft Week Analysis for the upcoming NFL Draft:

AFC West and Specialists:

1) San Diego Chargers: K – Nate Kaeding, P – Mike Scifres. Its safe to say that the Chargers will NOT be drafting a kicker/punter this year. A MVP performance by Scifres (40.9 Net Avg.) and a solid year by Kaeding (84.4% on FG’s), they may be the best tandem in the NFL.  Kaeding improved his kickoffs from 07′ but still averaging 63.7 per kickoff.  If they do bring a free agent kicker in, its only to lighten the load for these two workhorses.

2) Oakland Raiders: K – Sebastian Janikowski, P – Shane Lechler .  Another team that will NOT be drafting a kicker or punter.  Lechler ended up going to the Pro Bowl (48 yard avg / 41 net avg), although Charger punter Mike Scrifres felt snubbed; Janikowski had a good year hitting 80% on Field goals.  Jano’s biggest assest is his booming kickoffs that will help keeep him around averaging 65 yard per kickoff last year with good hang time. Jano has been working hard this off-season working with kicking coaches on this technique, look for some improvements in his short game. Again, if they bring in a leg its to lighten the load for summer camp.

3) Kansas City Chiefs: K – Conner Barth, P – Dustin Colquitt . Barth only played in 10 games, hitting 10 of 12 FG’s with a long of 45 yards. Barth struggled on his kickoffs averaging a lowly 58 yards per kick.  Look for the Chiefs to add some legs either via the draft or via free agency in the later rounds. David Buehler might be a great fit here if he is still on the board. Buehler not known for his short game has booming kickoffs that can help immediately and push Barth.   Colquitt had a 44.4 yard average with a 39.2 net average (10th in NFL punting average / 8th in net average) , not shabby numbers for the 5th year pro. The Chiefs are happy with Colquitt and will try to restore thier kickoffs coverage unit with a kickoff specialist. If Buehler is around in the later rounds I think the Chiefs take him, but more likely free agent route espcially after the debacle of their last drafted kicker, a name I will not mention.

4) Denver Broncos: K – Matt Prater, P- Brett Kern. Prater coming off not a great year 73% on field goals and 65 yards on kickoffs. Ranked him 33rd in the NFL in field goal percentage. Strong kickoff leg but had trouble in the middle range kicks, missed 8 kicks in the last 8 games.  I believe its Prater job is he wants it, the Broncos will bring someone in to competer but will want Prater to win the job in the summer. I think  if Louis Sakoda is available or a strong free agent kicker that has consistency they will have a small chance. The punter, Kern was 8th in punting average in the NFL but 17th in net average. Kern a undrafted free agent (maybe thats why I like him) has done well and I dont expect the Broncos to make any replacements here.

Key Note: Two kickers were taken in last year’s draft — Taylor Mehlhaff in the sixth round (178th overall) by New Orleans and Brandon Coutu in the seventh round (235th overall) by Seattle.

Look for more everyday this week with new information on the draft from http://www.kickingsystem.com

April 18th, 2009

TKS has posted a prelimanry list of kickers that could possibly be drafted this upcoming weekend. Check back each day this week and will have a countdown to the NFL Draft 2009. We will have in-depth analysis and comments and live coverage of the draft.

1. Graham Gano Florida St. 6-03/8 194 5.00

2. Jose Martinez U.T.E.P. 5-93/8 197 5.00

3. David Buehler USC 6-2 225 4.60

4. Ryan Succop South Carolina 6-3 224

5. Sam Swank Wake Forest 6-0 193 5.00

6. Louie Sakoda Utah 5-85/8 176 4.80

7. Jason Bondzio Arizona 5-9 165 4.75

8. Conor Lee Pittsburgh 5-11 200 4.95

9. Jeff Wolfert Missouri 6-2 185 4.80

10. Pat McAfee West Virginia 6-1 221 5.00

April 16th, 2009

Two new TKS Video for your enjoyment. Dont forget to rate them!

April 15th, 2009

Travis Golia & John Matich

Sorry for the delay on the space between posts but after a short spring break, TKS was back on the road at the Stanford Spring Game. TKS visited with Travis Golia, current kicker for Stanford and got a chance to talke with Lance Anderson, DJ Durkin (Special Teams Coach) and the Stanford Athletic Director. Jeff Lipton, also accompianed John Matich, on the trip. Jeff who is on the waiting list for Stanford, got a chance to hang out with Travis after the game and meet and greet the coaches.

Highlights coming soon!!

April 5th, 2009

Here is a new video from TKS.  Enjoy and dont forget to rate it!

April 2nd, 2009

Alberto Aroeste, Torrey Pines HS, Kicker, was offered by Cornell University of the Ivy League. This is Alberto third offer.  He is weighing the options between, Claremont McKenna, Chapman and Cornell.

Stay Tuned!!