"2020 NFL Draft: Top Kickers to Watch"

2020 NFL Draft: A Closer Look at the Kicker Prospects

The 2020 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and while much of the focus is on quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers, the kicking position is also a crucial one. Here, we take a closer look at the top kicker prospects heading into the draft.

Why Kickers Matter

In today's NFL, kickers are more than just an afterthought. They can be the difference between winning and losing close games. Just ask any fan of the Baltimore Ravens, who saw their team win the Super Bowl thanks in large part to the leg of kicker Justin Tucker. With that in mind, let's dive into the top kicker prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft.

1. Ka'imi Fairbairn, University of UCLA

Ka'imi Fairbairn is widely regarded as the top kicker prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Hawaiian has a powerful leg and was a consistent performer throughout his college career. He connected on 83.3% of his field goal attempts in his final two seasons at UCLA, including a perfect 10-for-10 in 2019.

2. Rodrigo Blankenship, University of Georgia

Rodrigo Blankenship, known affectionately as "Hot Rod," is another top kicker prospect. The 5-foot-9, 180-pound Georgia native was a four-year starter for the Bulldogs and leaves Athens as the school's all-time leading scorer. He connected on 84.6% of his field goal attempts in his career and was a perfect 10-for-10 from 40-49 yards out in 2019.

3. Tyler Bass, Georgia Southern University

Tyler Bass is a big-legged kicker who has the potential to be a game-changer at the next level. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Georgia native set the NCAA record for most field goals made in a single game (7) and was a perfect 10-for-10 on field goals from 50+ yards out in his career. He connected on 87.5% of his field goal attempts in 2019.

Other Kicker Prospects to Watch

While Fairbairn, Blankenship, and Bass are the top kicker prospects, there are several other players who could make an impact at the NFL level. Here are a few names to watch:

• Cade York, LSU: York was a reliable kicker for the Tigers, connecting on 82.9% of his field goal attempts in his career.
• Sam Sloman, Miami (OH): Sloman was a consistent performer for the RedHawks, connecting on 85.7% of his field goal attempts in his career.
• Luis Perez, University of Texas at El Paso: Perez was a perfect 10-for-10 on field goals from 50+ yards out in his career and connected on 86.7% of his field goal attempts in 2019.

Which Teams Could Be in the Market for a Kicker?

Several teams could be in the market for a kicker in the 2020 NFL Draft. The New York Jets, for example, cut veteran kicker Jason Myers in the offseason and have a need at the position. The Carolina Panthers, meanwhile, could look to upgrade from Joey Slye, who was inconsistent in his first season as a starter.

The 2020 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an exciting event, and the kicker position is no exception. With several talented prospects set to enter the league, teams will have plenty of options to choose from. Whether it's Fairbairn, Blankenship, Bass, or one of the other prospects, the 2020 NFL Draft is sure to produce a talented group of kickers ready to make an impact at the next level.