Is It Worth It? Analyzing the Value of Drafting a Kicker High in the 2025 NFL Draft
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where games are often decided by a mere three points, the importance of a reliable kicker cannot be overstated. Just ask the Buffalo Bills, who are still haunted by memories of Scott Norwood’s wide right miss in Super Bowl XXV. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, teams are evaluating every position, and the question arises: Is it worth it to invest a high draft pick in a kicker?
The Historical Perspective: A Mixed Bag
Historically, drafting a kicker high has been a gamble, with varying degrees of success. In 1966, the Washington Redskins selected Charlie Gogolak with the sixth overall pick, making him the highest-drafted kicker in NFL history. However, Gogolak’s career didn’t live up to the hype, as he only made 55.9% of his field goals. Similarly, Steve Little, drafted 15th overall by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1978, lasted just three seasons, converting a dismal 48% of his attempts. Russell Erxleben, drafted as a kicker/punter by the New Orleans Saints with the 11th overall pick in 1979, is considered one of the biggest draft busts in Saints history.
However, there are exceptions. Sebastian Janikowski, drafted 17th overall by the Oakland Raiders in 2000, enjoyed a long and productive 18-year career, making 80.4% of his field goals and becoming a mainstay for the Raiders. More recently, the San Francisco 49ers raised eyebrows when they selected Jake Moody in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. While it’s still early in his career, the pressure is on Moody to justify the high pick.
The Argument Against: Opportunity Cost
The primary argument against drafting a kicker high revolves around opportunity cost. Early-round picks are typically reserved for quarterbacks, offensive and defensive linemen, wide receivers, and other premium positions that have a more significant impact on the game. Using a valuable pick on a kicker means missing out on a potential game-changing player at a more crucial position.
Furthermore, history suggests that kickers drafted in later rounds or even signed as undrafted free agents can be just as effective as those taken early. For example, Harrison Butker, a seventh-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2017 (but ultimately signed with the Kansas City Chiefs), is now the highest-paid kicker in the NFL, with a four-year, $25.6 million contract. Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens, widely considered the best kicker in the league, was an undrafted free agent.
The Argument For: Stability and Reliability
Despite the risks, there are situations where drafting a kicker high might be justifiable. If a team has a glaring need at the position and believes a particular prospect is a generational talent, it could be worth the investment. A reliable kicker can provide stability and peace of mind, knowing that crucial field goals and extra points will be converted consistently.
Moreover, a strong kicking game can impact field position, force opponents to drive longer distances, and ultimately affect the outcome of games. In close contests, a clutch kicker can be the difference between a win and a loss, making them a valuable asset.
Evaluating the 2025 Kicker Class
As teams evaluate the 2025 NFL Draft class, several promising kickers have emerged. Ryan Fitzgerald from Florida State and Andres Borregales from Miami (FL) are among the top prospects, showcasing strong legs and accuracy. Other names to watch include Ben Sauls from Pittsburgh, Tyler Loop from Arizona, and Kenneth Almendares from Louisiana.
However, statistics alone don’t tell the whole story. NFL teams will also consider factors such as consistency under pressure, leg strength, accuracy from various distances, and overall field presence. They’ll also look at non-statistical factors like character and work ethic.
Teams in Need: The Kicker Landscape in 2025
Several teams may be eyeing a kicker in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, and Arizona Cardinals are among those with expiring contracts or question marks at the position. The Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, and Jacksonville Jaguars could also be in the market for a new kicker.
The Patriots, in particular, have struggled to find a reliable kicker since the departure of Stephen Gostkowski. After a revolving door of kickers, they may be tempted to invest in a long-term solution through the draft.
The Financial Implications
Before drafting a kicker high, teams must also consider the financial implications. While the average NFL kicker earns between $1 million and $2 million annually, the top-performing kickers command significantly more. Justin Tucker, for example, earns over $7 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid kickers in the league. Harrison Butker’s recent contract extension with the Chiefs further underscores the value placed on elite kickers.
Teams must weigh the cost of a high draft pick and a potentially lucrative contract against the value a kicker brings to the team. In a salary-cap era, every dollar counts, and teams must allocate their resources wisely.
Conclusion: A Calculated Risk
Drafting a kicker high in the NFL Draft is a calculated risk. While history suggests that it’s often not worth the investment, there are exceptions. Teams must carefully evaluate the prospect’s talent, the team’s needs, and the opportunity cost before making a decision.
Ultimately, the decision to draft a kicker high depends on a team’s specific circumstances and its evaluation of the available talent. If a team believes it has found a generational talent at the position, it may be willing to buck the trend and invest a valuable draft pick. However, teams must proceed with caution and weigh all the factors before making such a significant decision.