Time to draft a punter?

[GoWhalers]

This position was in a lot of flux this year, with the injury bug biting hard. The fact that we had to bring in Walter was really telling as to the availability of quality punters -- I think we got lucky that Sauerbrun was still available.

Since we probably won't be able to hire a good free agent after everyone watched Belichick send Brian Moorman on a suicide mission during the Pro Bowl cool: ), maybe it's time to stock this position with a quality prospect?

Normally I'd say you never really need to draft a punter/kicker, but making a 4th round investment in Gostkowski was worth it. Given the defensive, win-the-battle-of-field-position style of play that the Patriots are known for, maybe a 5th or 6th round investment isn't a bad idea.

 

[RayClay]

no................

next.

 

[ironwasp]

Didn't we finish the season with two punters on the practice squad, two on IR and one fit?? Surely one of those will be fit enough to take the field come September.

 

[TeamPats]

Maybe with a late compensatory pick since we can't move them. I say this only because it is becoming increasing harder to make this team so a 7th round punter is not out of the question.

Who knows when they announce the compensatory picks btw?

 

[F0nSY]

What?we need a punter?

 

[TeamPats]

Who knows when they announce the compensatory picks btw?

FYI, end of March per Reiss

 

[pats1]

Here's two words so many people, even Reiss, have forgotten lately:

JOSH.

MILLER.

2005: 45.1 gross average (4th best in NFL)

 

[wdkantro2]

Pats1- Unfortunately, we are not in 2005 anymore. Miller has been great, but was quite subpar this year and is certainly getting up there in age. I don't think he is the longterm guy.

 

[pats1]

Pats1- Unfortunately, we are not in 2005 anymore. Miller has been great, but was quite subpar this year and is certainly getting up there in age. I don't think he is the longterm guy.

Since when is age a problem with punters?!?

I'd agree with you that a long-term guy is needed at linebacker, but at punter? I'd take the best guy I can get each year.

 

[GoWhalers]

Miller, if 100% healthy, is definately the ideal choice. However, who knows how badly he's hurt? He went on IR, so that must have been a significant injury for a non-contact position like a punter.

After that, we had a practice squad guy and the underperforming Ken Walter in to replace him -- not too good! Those were the best choices out there until Saeurbrun came along?

Wouldn't it be huge to have a Moorman-type, a cold-weather punter with a cannon for a leg? Special teams improves, field position improves, FG kicking improves, etc.

Is it worth a (very) late draft pick?

 

[koolaid23]

Pats1- Unfortunately, we are not in 2005 anymore. Miller has been great, but was quite subpar this year and is certainly getting up there in age. I don't think he is the longterm guy.

last time i checked jeff feagles turned 87 and hes still a solid punter. were fine with that. worst case scenario just teach troy brown to kick. :snob:

 

[pats1]

Miller, if 100% healthy, is definately the ideal choice. However, who knows how badly he's hurt? He went on IR, so that must have been a significant injury for a non-contact position like a punter.

After that, we had a practice squad guy and the underperforming Ken Walter in to replace him -- not too good! Those were the best choices out there until Saeurbrun came along?

Wouldn't it be huge to have a Moorman-type, a cold-weather punter with a cannon for a leg? Special teams improves, field position improves, FG kicking improves, etc.

Is it worth a (very) late draft pick?

Miller isn't a cold-weather type punter? Good Lord, he has only punted in Pittsburgh and Foxboro.

I didn't realize he tore his ACL or sheared a blood vessel. He's fine.

 

[JackBauer]

I say bring Miller and Sauerbrun to camp and let the best man win.

Punter is not really a pressing need.

 

[DaBruinz]

Here's two words so many people, even Reiss, have forgotten lately:

JOSH.

MILLER.

2005: 45.1 gross average (4th best in NFL)

I haven't forgotten Miller and neither has Reiss. Reiss does have a point that he's not sure Miller will be back because Miller is due a roster bonus this year and there is no telling how he is doing from his shoulder injury.

That being said, if Miller can't return, I'd let Sauerbrun, Baugher, and Malone fight it out in camp. Sauerbrun, while he had the booming kicks, also had a lot of yardage given up and had more kicks returned than either Walter or Miller. I am NOT sold on Sauerbrun as a solution.

 

[RayClay]

Here's two words so many people, even Reiss, have forgotten lately:

JOSH.

MILLER.

2005: 45.1 gross average (4th best in NFL)

I didn't realize that, that's pretty high.

That's like 2 Ken Walter punts. Plus a yard.

 

[DaBruinz]

Pats1- Unfortunately, we are not in 2005 anymore. Miller has been great, but was quite subpar this year and is certainly getting up there in age. I don't think he is the longterm guy.

Miller wasn't subpar. This is just BS and not supported by the FACTS.

Through 5 games, the Pats had the BEST punt coverage in the league letting up just over 3 yards per punt return. Miller also had the fewest returned punts of any punter up to that point.

It was after the bye week that things started to go south. First with the Bufalo game and then with the Minnnesota game. However, the last 3 games after those two, Miller was back in form.

I believe it was in the Buffalo game that Miller got injured and he tried to play through it. The Minnesota game I can't even really blame on Miller since Moore made 2 nice plays on returns. Our coverage just wasn't good.

 

[JustWinBrady]

don't count out malone who was on the practice squad. he punted on usc and imo was one of best punters in college. he didn't qualify one year because he didn't punt enough.

 

[Jimke]

As JustWinBrady mentioned both of those punters the Pats have in

Europe were highly rated in the 2006 draft. They are as good as a 2007

draft pick would be.

 

[unoriginal]

Miller's roster bonus is $100,000. Peanuts. If the Patriots like the job he's doing they'll pay it.

That said, he has said he feels like the team doesn't want him back. I doubt we spend a pick on a third young punter however.