I know it's totally taboo to even think about your kicker position after the draft, but if your league has no roster-moves limit, or a high limit, we think you should consider checking out three rookie kickers who could have an impact for your team. I know any serious fantasy footballer has lost at least one game because of a Neil Rackers 50+ yarder at the end of regulation or a Billy Cundiff shank late in the game on a Sunday night. Though there are several seasoned veterans out there who could also make an impact, see Nick Folk or Josh Scobee, the youngsters are where it's at for kickers. The game is less in their head, they're probably a little more limber, and they are kicking for jobs. As I told a friend the other day: I look for a young kicker, on a bad team (or one that just doesn't have a good red zone game), preferably in a dome or fair-weather city. Just look at Dan Carpenter or Dan Bailey a few seasons back. This is why I am suggesting Blair Walsh in MIN, Greg Zeurlein in StL, and Justin Tucker in BAL. All three had very surprising games in week 1, and should continue to impress.
Blair Walsh - Walsh has a horrible 2011 for Georgia, but had a stellar first three seasons in college. Minnesota took him as the third K overall in round 6, and were rewarded with a win that Walsh single-handedly secured. Walsh hit all four attempts, including a game-tying kick and a game winner in OT. He also nailed a 55 yarder. Did I mention Minnesota is a fantastic place for kickers and shouldn't score nearly as much as most teams?
Greg Zeurlein - St. Louis took Greg "The Leg" (ironically) just four picks ahead of Walsh in the 6th round at the 2012 draft. In 2011 for DII Missouri-Western Zeurlein was 9-9 on kicks over 50, including two 58 yarders. In his NFL debut for the Rams, he hit a 29, 46, and 48 yarders, perfect on the day. He should compete with Walsh, amongst others, for the point lead in the NFL.
Justin Tucker - Tucker, an undrafted rookie kicker out of Texas beat out Billy Cundiff this pre-season and should impress as a rookie in Baltimore. The Ravens should have tons and tons of scoring opportunities, albeit outside in a cold-weather city. I can see plenty of 19-10 or 26-20 games for Baltimore this season, and Tucker should benefit. He nailed 39, 40, and 46 yarders to finish perfect on the day. Not bad for his first game.
Blair Walsh - Walsh has a horrible 2011 for Georgia, but had a stellar first three seasons in college. Minnesota took him as the third K overall in round 6, and were rewarded with a win that Walsh single-handedly secured. Walsh hit all four attempts, including a game-tying kick and a game winner in OT. He also nailed a 55 yarder. Did I mention Minnesota is a fantastic place for kickers and shouldn't score nearly as much as most teams?
Greg Zeurlein - St. Louis took Greg "The Leg" (ironically) just four picks ahead of Walsh in the 6th round at the 2012 draft. In 2011 for DII Missouri-Western Zeurlein was 9-9 on kicks over 50, including two 58 yarders. In his NFL debut for the Rams, he hit a 29, 46, and 48 yarders, perfect on the day. He should compete with Walsh, amongst others, for the point lead in the NFL.
Justin Tucker - Tucker, an undrafted rookie kicker out of Texas beat out Billy Cundiff this pre-season and should impress as a rookie in Baltimore. The Ravens should have tons and tons of scoring opportunities, albeit outside in a cold-weather city. I can see plenty of 19-10 or 26-20 games for Baltimore this season, and Tucker should benefit. He nailed 39, 40, and 46 yarders to finish perfect on the day. Not bad for his first game.
RSS Feed