tombonneau

Some kicker profiles from nfl draftcountdown ...

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/rankings/k.html

Based on strengths/weaknesses alone, I like Ben Jones. Says he has easily hits from 50+; very consistant; great on kickoffs.

Major weaknesses is he kicks too slow which leads to blocks (pro coaching should help) and that he was hurt his senior year, which leads to a lower ranking.

Top kicker Connor Hughes of Virginia I doubt is even on BBs board as his major weakness is "probably can't kickoff in the pros." Don't see BB keeping two Ks.

I know they brought in Huston from OSU, but any guy who is labelled "very inconsistant" I'll pass on.

Gostowski I prob. like #2. Money in the bank from <40yds is good, but major demerits for not having the range for 50+. Not good at all. If he could increase his range to being able to kick 51-53 yds, I'd say he's viable.

Scifres is a another pass. Still way too inconsistent...Mechanics can get dodgy at times...Gets discouraged and lets misses get to him.

Yassui, I'd pass. Streaky inconsistant, misses easy ones. Again, not the weaknesses you want in a K.

So in my beyond amateur opinion, if the Pats like any kickers, I'd like Jones or Gostowski. The rest seem too inconsistant based on these profiles.

Box_O_Rocks

Morten Anderson counseling a kicker in NFLE had him focusing on kicks inside the 40, where the majority of kicks occur. His advice might be worth something....

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DaBruinz

OK. Ben Jones has a career 72.9% kicking average.

2005 : 8-14 (57%)
2004: 10-18 (66%)
2003: 25-30 (75%)

He got consitently worse every year.

Anyone have kick-off and touchback info on the kid?

bosfan

Think Connor Hughes would be worth a look in the sixth - 88% career accuracy is a good thing.

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Bubba

didnt the pats draft a rookie kicker who showed some promise a couple years ago? I cant remember his name but it seems like the Giants or someone picked him off out practice squad after training camp. Anyone remember that guy and know where he is now?

BelichickFan

Owen Pochman - NFLE with the Bills, I guess he's competing with Lindell to be their kicker.

bucky

Gostkowski is the man I like. I think that scouting report isn't quite accurate. He was 2 for 2 from 50+ last year and 7 for 7 from 40+. He's also supposed to be a very good athlete - similar to Vinatieri, more than just a kicker.

JoeSixPat

I think we'll attract the cream of the crop of the Rookie UFAs as they know the oppoprtunity that exists here.

But I think we're selling ourselves short if we don't look north of the border for kickers used to playing in harsh conditions.

Does anyone know what the rules are for signing a CFL kicker away from a team? Does the NFL have any agreement or understanding with CFL teams not to swoop and scoop up their kickers who are under contract? Or are we just relegated to the unsigned CFL kickers at this point.

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tombonneau

He got hurt in 2005 which accounts for the poor showing. And the scouting report says he's great on kickoffs.

tombonneau

I'm sure you can sign whoever from the CFL. I would assume. (?) But as far as harsh conditions, don't they almost all play indoors?