What is the likelihood of a non-specialist (kicker, punter, returner, long snapper) drafted in the
5th round makes the 53 of the team that drafted him?
in the 6th rounder?
in the 7th rounder?
I only did Placekickers and a quick run down the long snappers, Punters looked a little less successful just scanning the names.
6 of 12 long snappers were successful, ironically 3 that were not successful had shoulder injuries in the 1st or 2nd year, I think we know why the rule change on lining up over the snapper. Thus 6 of 9 that did not get injured.
Placekicker success rate is below. How you determine success rate? For more recent picks it's whether they were the main kicker last year. Chad Ryland is a success, the Pats gave up on him too early so not a success for them. However, kickers are not always consistent year to year. Alex Henery was record breaking accurate in college, set the rookie NFL record for accuracy, had a great year 2, lost it in year 3.
He's in the Misc category. Not a complete fail but not a long term success. A guy like Zane Gonzalez is a Misc but been in the league 8 years but only main kicker in 4 of those years. Yes column was more definitive starting kicker for long period or, if more recently, since drafted. No was total fail.
I compared that to success rate for other positions. In rounds 5-7 placekickers are 10 times more likely to succeed than non-specialists picked and long snappers are 8 times more likely to succeed. Good Value, and smart analytical pick, especially in the 5-7 round range.