The top five kickers in the NFL draft, according to The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy, include Will Reichard from Alabama, Cam Little from Arkansas, Joshua Karty from Stanford, Harrison Mevis from Missouri, and Spencer Shrader from Notre Dame. Reichard, the NCAA career points leader, is known for his accuracy inside 40 yards and has made clutch kicks under pressure. Little boasts a high field goal conversion rate and showed versatility by punting in high school. Karty rebounded from a poor season to excel in the last two years, including a career-long 61-yard field goal. Mevis is known for his strong leg and ability to make kicks from long distances, while Shrader’s experience in professional soccer has translated to success on the football field.
In the punter category, the top five prospects are Tory Taylor from Iowa, Ryan Rehkow from BYU, Matthew Hayball from Vanderbilt, Austin McNamara from Texas Tech, and Jack Browning from San Diego State. Taylor, a field-flipper for Iowa’s offense, has a career marked by consistent punting inside the 20-yard line and long-distance kicks. Rehkow, known for his booming leg, has room for improvement in touch and directional aim. Hayball, an Australia native, has impressed with his performance as the second-best college punter last season. McNamara has maintained a high average over five seasons and is a versatile player with experience as a holder. Browning, a player in consideration for both the Lou Groza and Ray Guy awards, showcases his skills through his performances in various kicking duties.
The top five returners in the draft are WR Lideatrick Griffin from Mississippi State, WR Xavier Worthy from Texas, WR Ainias Smith from Texas A&M, RB Will Shipley from Clemson, and WR Anthony Gould from Oregon State. Griffin becomes a valuable player with the NFL kickoff rule change, boasting an impressive career average of 30.4 yards per kickoff return. Worthy’s draft stock has risen due to his performance as a punt returner, including a 4.21-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. Smith is known for his quick acceleration and agility, making him a versatile player on offense. Shipley’s excellent vision and ability to capitalize on small openings have made him a promising prospect. Gould, an All-American returner, has shown explosive speed and playmaking ability despite limited opportunities in 2023.
Overall, the top prospects in the NFL draft for kickers, punters, and returners showcase a wide range of skills and talents that have caught the attention of evaluators and league personnel. From precision kicking to explosive return abilities, these players have the potential to make an impact at the professional level. As teams look to fill key special teams positions, these prospects offer valuable assets that could contribute to the success of their respective teams in the upcoming season.
