Perhaps never in the history of the NFL Draft have teams needed to take a closer look at drafting a kicker. Yes, for every Sebastian Janikowski there is a Roberto Aguayo, but considering how many pro squads rely on long field goals as part of their offensive repertoire – not to mention extra points have become far from routine since they were moved back to 33 yards – finding a reliable placekicker is more critical than ever.
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Let's have a look at the four kickers participating in the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine, including key stats and highlights.
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Daniel Carlson – Auburn
Carlson's ability to connect from long range should give him a leg up on many of his contemporaries in the draft. He made 13 field goals from 50-plus yards during his four-year career, including a long of 56 in 2015.
Wondering if Carlson can handle the pressure of kicking in the NFL? His legendary 6-for-6 performance in Death Valley in 2016 led Auburn to an upset of #18 LSU as he accounted for all of his team's points during the 18-13 win.
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Eddy Pineiro – Florida
Joining fellow special teams standout Johnny Townsend at this year's combine, Pineiro was an incredible 17 of 18 last season and finished his career a perfect 5 of 5 from 50-plus-yards away. His ability to connect from long distance should make him an enticing selection for NFL squads, which is probably why he declared for the draft a year early.
The young man can also hit from 70 yards away.
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Mike Badgley – Miami
Badgley's best year came in 2015 when he hit 25 of 30 field goals and made 40 of 40 extra points. He was instrumental a season ago in keeping the Hurricanes perfect when he accounted for 13 points and the game-winning boot with just seconds left in a 25-24 mid-October nail-biter over Georgia Tech.
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Drew Brown – Nebraska
Brown didn't get a lot of attempts over the past two seasons in going 12 of 14 both his junior and senior years, so the combine is the perfect place for him to strut his stuff. The Cornhuskers only tried six field goals of 50-plus yards during his four-year stint, of which he connected on a pair, so this will be his opportunity to show the scouts what he's capable of.
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2018 NFL Scouting Combine Kicker Invites
Check out the complete list of kickers invited to the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine.
| Name | Team | Conference |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Badgley | Miami | ACC |
| Drew Brown | Nebraska | Big Ten |
| Daniel Carlson | Auburn | SEC |
| Eddy Pineiro | Florida | SEC |
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