https://t.co/mIr2tYt8LT. My sophomore season, we won the state championship, Araiza said. While that makes him significantly less employable as an NFL kickerif a righty kicker gets hurt, teams would never reach out to a lefty for tryouts, since its complicated to have a holder relearn how to get the snap down in reverseit makes him significantly more employable as a punter, as its believed that lefty punters put reverse spin on the ball that makes it tougher to catch. The earliest a punter has been selected over that period was the fourth round, the Niners selecting Mitch Wishnowsky. Copyright 2019-2023. Bucky Brooks highlights 10 perfect rookie-team fits from the 2022 NFL Draft. 1, Ohio State linebacker Tom Cousineau, refused to sign with the Bills and instead inked a lucrative deal with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. He was named to several First and Second All-American Teams by various national media outlets. The biggest surprise is that college football's top punter, Matt Araiza, wasn't the first punter off the board this year. Players are identified as a Pro Bowler if they were selected for the Pro-Bowl at any time in their career. Bellinger recently signed with JB Sports, Inc., the same agency that represents, Dunkle declared for the NFL Draft after finishing the season with a. , the highest by an offensive lineman since Pro Football Focus (PFF) began tracking the metric. That motor really helps him frequently make tackles away from the line of scrimmage that a lot of defensive ends just dont make. Bellinger began training with Jeremy Holt, Owner of AthELITE Performance, yesterday in Music City, USA, along with tight ends Chase Allen (Iowa State) and Jake Ferguson (Wisconsin) in preparation for the NFL Draft. But its no secret that he enjoys punting the most. NFL Draft Profile: Rhys Byrns, Punter, Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns - Football Alliance. 11 overall in 1979 by the New Orleans Saints after being a kicker and punter in college. Field Pos. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. But Araiza described them to me as not being fun or real football. As a result, he stayed close to home, a decision that has meant more to him than he ever knew. County of San Diego; State of California; Federal . Hes big. Matt Araiza is not your average NFL Draft prospect. Hand size 9 1/2 All four players have the talent to compete and excel at the next level. at Special teams coaches will want to see his mechanics, how quick hes able to transition, how the ball comes off his leg, the power that he has in person. Show me in the rule book where it says a punter cant win the Heisman! In the fourth round, Baltimore selected Penn State Punter Jordan Stout with the 130th overall pick. Only two punters since 1982 were drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft; Rohn Stark with the 34th pick in 1982 by the Baltimore Colts and Todd Sauerbrun with the 56th pick in 1995 by the Chicago Bears. It was definitely a cool experience.. All these coaches have an opinion of their own and like to make their own decisions, Araiza said. I grew up playing three on three on this tiny indoor field, and thats kind of where my love for soccer and sports started. Lets take a look. It was fun, Araiza grinned while reflecting on the craziness of the past season. He's expected to be one of the players chosen in the 2022 NFL draft next month. Should he be the Mountain West Player of the Year? It was awesome. Vertical jump 32 Watch where Araiza ends up on this play! Around 20 minutes north of San Diego State University lies North County Soccer Park. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. The Mandalorian Season 3 Premiere Is a Slick Reminder of What Makes Mando Work, What We Learned From Testing, and a Bahrain GP Preview. Before that, the last one came in 2013. Anger averaged 44.2 yards per punt as a senior at Cal; Araiza is outpacing that mark by almost 10 yards per punt. 130) and Georgia's Jake Camarda to the Buccaneers (fourth round, No. Punters are an often-overlooked asset on a football squad but San Diego State punter/kicker Matt Araiza has been frequently referenced as the most talented punt prospect in recent history. Although it is important to recognize that some of these punters have not had as many seasons as others theyve competed against, some believe a player like Araiza should be one of the top NFL punters immediately upon entering the league. Georgia police have secured a warrant to arrest highly-touted draft prospect Jalen Carter, according to a report from Seth Emerson. Brugler ranked Thomas as the 7th-best edge rusher in this draft class last month and says teams view him as a second-round prospect. released on November 30, 2021, Brugler slotted Thomas to the Dallas Cowboys with the 25th pick of the first round, adding, Thomas has been nearly unblockable this season for the Aztecs, currently leading college football with 72 pressures., Thomas won the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year afte. The relationship is not close to being statistically significant here, and the R-squared value is almost negligible. I wonder whether at some point they will simply stand farther back. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. Since NFL defenses vary their fronts constantly, Thomas versatility to play inside or outside will give him a boost to climb teams draft boards. At the end of Araizas senior season at Rancho Bernardo, he hadnt gotten any scholarship offers, and was still considering soccer as a pathway to his future. 21 UCLA women top ASU in OT in Pac 12 opener 81-70, Irving senses Mavs urgency in new star pairing with Doncic. Two additional teammates will look to add to the recent list of secondary players who made the jump to the NFL after excelling at San Diego State. John Stark from Florida State made it into the second round, way back in 1982. He also boomed an 86-yarder against San Jose State at sea level. It isnt much of a challenge anymore. He was the striker for his high school soccer team, banging home game-winning goals in playoff games. And, thats kind of where the ability with my feet come from.. Araiza addressed the issue at the NFL Combine and SDSUs Pro Day, where he boomed punts that had a hang time as much as 5.3 seconds (the NFL average is 4.3 seconds). The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. And what's up with the Commanders' value assessment? In 2015, he broke the San Diego sectional record for field goals in a single season, Rancho Bernardo won a state championship, and he was named to the MaxPreps sophomore All-American team. In addition to his record-setting punting, he's drilled three 50-yard field goals, second most in college football, and has the fourth-longest average kickoff distance (65.0 yards). Hes quick to find the football, and hes always in pursuit mode., Another attribute teams love about Thomas is his versatility to play up and down the line of scrimmage. As a matter of fact, he already seems to be fully embracing his new team. The San Diego, California native has a. as the Aztecs kicker. Araiza was chosen with the first pick in the sixth round, the 180th pick overall. By Ted McGovern But colleges dont scout kickers based on who makes the most high school field goals; they scout guys who come recommended by kicking coaches, who often assess only players who paid to go to their camps. Being close to home as his popularity has grown during this season has also had a tremendous impact on Araiza. Although Araiza saw plenty of action at San Diego State, he might not see the field much in Buffalo. By Oliver Hodgkinson April 14, 2022 Jump Around This Article Click to show Punters are NFL Draft prospects, too always have been, always will be. There will be a big red circle on that day on my calendar. Matt Araiza, the San Diego State punter, was one of the most exciting players in all of college football last season, booming kick after kick in a way the sport had never seen before. The draft was held May 3-4, 1979, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, New York. Araiza seems like he's going to be a good fit in Buffalo. That was a fun year, and also the year I broke the record for field goals. We were all kind of surprised. I just mean Matt Araiza out of San Diego State is maybe the best punter Ive seen in my lifetime and, yet, Baltimore likes Stout., And after Camarda was selected: Am I the only one Araizas the guy we all focused in on.. March 25, 2022 5 min read. The 1979 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. His, was better than many who are projected to be high draft selections, including. But, I knew I had the potential and once I got rocking and rolling, everything would work out as it did.. The only two FBS teams that gave him offers were San Diego State and UMass. According to the NFL Mock Draft Database, the highest he is projected to go is in the fifth round picks 144 through 179. Aztecs head coach Brady Hoke recently said that Araiza is the teams MVP. One of the most important punting stats is net punting average and Araiza finished the year at 44.3, which ranked sixth in the country. Will another aggressive draft by Mickey Loomis pay off for the Saints? published this week, Ryan Wilson has the Chargers drafting Thomas with the 20th pick in the first round. Araiza has a cannon for a leg, shown with his 86-yard punt against San Jose State in October. Kicking? 5 or 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament, which could be the difference between facing a mid-major or power conference opponent, What exactly the Aztecs drew up for Lamont Butler, what got Darrion Trammell going, and keeping an eye on whether Brian Dutchers alma mater needs a new coach, Lamont Butlers 3-pointer at the buzzer beats New Mexico and means the Aztecs can win the Mountain West title outright with one win in their final two games, Everything you need to know about Saturday nights showdown between the Aztecs and Lobos at the Pit in Albuquerque, Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSign Up For Our NewslettersSite Map, Copyright 2023, The San Diego Union-Tribune |. An all-around special teams contributor, the 2021 unanimous All-American had kickoff duties for San Diego State. Additionally, few of these punters have been widely recognized as the best at their position, even for one season. Chicago took offensive tackle Zach Thomas, Camerons brother, in the sixth round. Using AV from Pro-Football-Reference, this somewhat normalizes the impact of a punter on his team. Even now, on the precipice of turning professional, there is still the glint of pursuing soccer in the eyes of the San Diego State punter. The Big Punt traveled more than 80. Diverse team following across multiple sports leagues, but Aztecs come first in college athletics. Another attribute teams love about Thomas is his versatility to play up and down the line of scrimmage. The San Diego, California native has a career kicking percentage of over 73% as the Aztecs kicker. This begs the question: how well will Matt Araiza transition to the NFL? For context, two Pro Bowl punters are named each year, leaving about an 20% clip of the Pro Bowl punters in the last 15 seasons being players who were drafted. Mountain West Football: Who Had The Most Turnover Luck In 2022? The crash took place before 3 a.m. on Jan. 15., just hours after the Bulldogs . But thats only half-true: Araiza is also statistically the most talented punter prospect of all time. A hundred percent, a hundred percent, said Araiza, who watched the draft from home with family and friends. Marc Ross spotlights 10 rookies set up for success in the 2022 NFL season and beyond. But how have other drafted punters panned out in the NFL? NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. . Sorry, I cantPunt God is playing Fresno State on CBS Sports Network at 10:30 p.m. 1 to 32. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego is known worldwide as one of the best tourist destinations and a great place for residents to relax year round. 18 Aztecs collapse in final minutes, fall at Boise State, Game preview: No. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. For whatever reason, punters have been a popular position to pick in this year's draft. When I looked up at that ball, it was crazy, Araiza says. I never saw that coming. Height 6 and 1 1/8 The Punter That Was Promised has arrivedwell be seeing his highlights for years to come. Matt Araiza is downright dynamite.. A fifth-round selection for Araiza would not be particularly noteworthy in the history of punters taken in the NFL draft. When Araiza was younger, his brother took him out to a local field with some footballs and let him kick away. The more you can do to justify a roster spot is the motto of the NFL, said Brugler, adding that teams may feel more comfortable drafting a punter in the fourth or fifth round if they know the punter also has a penchant for touchbacks on kickoffs. He converted all but one of his 97 career extra-point attempts, too. According to Austin Gayle of Pro Football Focus, 63 percent of Araiza's punts were downed inside the 20; another 27 were downed inside the 10. I know how I did at the combine. If a team is uncomfortable with your holding skills, that could absolutely lead you to dropping in the draft. He. Plus Stetson and Duggan as Pros With Trent Dilfer (Bonus Episode). One of those is national recognition for its most talented players who caught the eyes of NFL scouts looking for the next great professional prospect. Through the first 180 picks, there were more punters selected (3) than were taken in the entire 2021 draft combined (The Steelers selection of Pressley Harvin was the only punter pick last year). I remember seeing a hypothetical at some point in the past few years: If you were an NFL general manager, would you use a first-round draft pick on a magical punter who could pin every single punt within the opposing 5-yard line? Araiza shattered the all-time record of 32 punts of 50 or more yards in a single season, by achieving 39. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft and before the regular season. Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters. Who failed to address serious needs? But Matt didnt have dreams of special teams stardom. Brugler predicts Bellinger will be the second San Diego State player drafted (after Cameron Thomas). In addition to his record-setting punting, hes drilled three 50-yard field goals, second most in college football, and has the fourth-longest average kickoff distance (65.0 yards). He was the San Diego sectional kicker of the year in all three years he kicked, and broke the county record for career field goals. Big, big leg. Teams are not drafting you based on what you have done, notes Brugler. Now that hes finally showing off his best skill, hes immediately emerged as a punting legend. At the time, a young Araiza couldnt have imagined becoming a national punting icon. Matthew Ryan Araiza (born May 16, 2000) is an American football punter who is a free agent. See college football stories in your feed, Araiza set a new all-time Football Bowl Subdivision record for yards per punt averaging 51.19 yards per punt, passing Texas A&M. Then theres his NFL potential: Just how high will Araiza be drafted? This is understood by several NFL football squads, which is why he has become a hot item on many teams big boards, chiefly the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots. The 21-year-old is a special teams star who won the 2021 Ray Guy Award, given to the best punter in college football. Araiza broke the all-time record for 60+ yard punts in a single season with 18 altogether. One theory on why he fell is because he's never held for extra point or field goals. Stout will likely end up replacing the longtime Ravens punter, who turns 40 in August. But Araiza has a rocket launcher for a leg, so for him consistency is making highlights. But the Celtics Brogdon is mounting a well-rounded campaign that hearkens back to some of the earliest Sixth Men. Logically, the first media question to. John Harbaugh is a former special teams coach and he has a better eye for punters and kickers than any other head coach in the NFL, so if he wanted Stout, you can bet he liked his punting style more than he liked Araiza's booming style. How high is his ceiling at the NFL level? (AV) of a punter per season who has been drafted in the last 15 seasons. Araiza is the closest thing in football history to a must-watch punter. April 26, 2022 7:52 am, By Ted McGovern | It is what it is. But how have other drafted punters panned out in the NFL? Gennaro Filice provides draft grades for each NFC North team. Based on net punting averages, you can usually find UDFAs who will rank above average at the position in directional punting and hang time.. These sites are not endorsed by, sponsored by, or affiliated with with these teams or institutions. No wonder the "punt god" is generating NFL draft buzz. But a few plays didn't quite go . But the San Diego State punter, nicknamed "Punt God" by Twitter and anyone that has seen his 80-yard moonshots for three seasons with the Aztecs, has declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. Matt Araiza knew the Big Punt was different. Is Araiza the Punter That Was Promised? Bellinger recently signed with JB Sports, Inc., the same agency that represents San Francisco 49ers tight end, George Kittle. But, thats not all Araiza can do. The 2022 NFL Draft is in the rearview. But the answer is simple: yes. That shows up when he has to make a tackle. By submitting your email, you agree to our. Hed be worthy of going first. That was somewhat of a goal. Time will tell. They'll give up some big returns, but they'll also have some giant flips of field position.". We released a jersey with a company out of San Diego and to see those jerseys in the stands, was crazy to me. Yet, hed only punted in one game prior to this season. This seems like a cute questionthe football equivalent of asking someone whether theyd eat the worlds grossest food for a million dollars. Below are the top 10 highest-drafted punters in the history of the NFL draft: Of that group, Guy went onto become a Pro Football Hall of Famer; Stark was a first-team All Pro selection in 1983 and four-time Pro Bowler; Skladany was a 1981 Pro Bowler; Sauebrun was a four-time All-Pro selection, three-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL punt yards leader; Tupa was a 1999 All-Pro selection; and Anger was a 2021 second-team All-Pro selection, as well as the 2013 NFL punting yards leader. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nfl | pageType: stories | Araiza will be selected early on Day Two, if not late in the first round. In 2021, the Bills only punted a total of 52 times, which was tied for the fifth-lowest total in the NFL. It was not an issue in college, where everyone at the line can release downfield after the snap. That group includes not only several picks taken inside the top 100 overall players, but also four players taken in the second round and another two taken in the first round. San Diego State's Matt Araiza is putting punters on the map, and his scouting report reveals why he's a highly rated 2022 NFL Draft prospect. I want my life to be an adventure, Araiza said. Gennaro Filice and Dan Parr rank each franchise's class, from No. I already know Ill be playing one of the those teams (at Baltimore) this upcoming season. They try to be consistent, perfecting their motion so its the same every time. . (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) By . No one in our family had control over that. Ray Guy, for whom a college football award is named, was a first-round pick in 1973. Nonetheless, the "Punt God" is headed to the AFC East champions. Georgia punter Jake Camarda was taken three picks later by Tampa Bay. The social media explosion, and all the fans, the almost cult-like fans sometimes. But he still wasnt punting. He now holds the record for single-season punt average, with 51.19 yards per punt. The Sporting News breaks down everything you need to know about Araiza's record-breaking season in 2021, and the elite group of punters he hopes to join who managed to leverage their collegiate career into high draft picks: Despite Araiza's incredible 2021 season, he is not expected to be among the highest-drafted punters of all time. Hang time was the primary concern for Araiza in the weeks and months leading up to the draft. Behind guard Max Rices 12 straight points at the end, host Broncos score the games final 14 in the final five minutes to stun Aztecs, Stats and storylines to watch on Tuesday night, when San Diego State takes on Boise State at ExtraMile Arena, San Diego State sits on the cusp of a No. Its a loaded defensive end class, Brugler said. Banners rationale is driven by the notion of replacement value. According to PFF, Araiza had the eighth-lowest kickoff return percentage in the country at less than 15%. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Ray Guy, for whom a college football award is named, was a first-round pick in 1973. Pat McAfee later called the Big Punt a Piss Missile, which is just about the highest honor a punter can receive. It was a special team, and a special group I got to be a part of. Except, maybe Araiza himself. Yet, Araiza went and nailed an 86-yard punt and an 81-yarder in consecutive games against San Jose State and Air Force. Bellingers seasonal production did not overtly scream NFL caliber tight end, finishing 2021 with 31 receptions for 357 yards and only two touchdowns. According to PFF, Dunkle registered a 38.0 pass-blocking grade and committed two penalties against Arizona and a 55.6 grade against Utah the following week on 18 pass opportunities in each game. Soon after San Diego State's bowl win in December, Araiza declared early for the drafta rarity for a punterand began the transition from player to prospect. All Rights Reserved. Reacting to the pick, NFL Network broadcaster Rich Eisen said: Let me tell you something, Buffalo Bills fans, you should be very, very happy. Coach Marwan Maalouf, currently coaching special teams at the University of Miami and longtime NFL special teams coach, thinks highly of Araiza. Araiza projects as a punter, because thats where hes setting records, and because hes a lefty. And remember, the Big Punt wasnt even Araizas longest punt of the year. To demonstrate the rarified air that the San Diego State punter is kicking in, fellow NFL Draft prospect Jake Camarda has a career-long of 68 yards. Theyre three different skills that each require practice, and a human leg can swing only so many times before it gets overworked. In the latest CBS Sports mock draft published this week, Ryan Wilson has the Chargers drafting Thomas with the 20th pick in the first round. to gain some insight on how teams are evaluating the Aztecs enrollees as the draft process is set to begin. The number of seasons for each punter includes every season where at least half of a season was played. As a field goal kicker, his completion percentage went down each college season. The man they call 'Punt God' is going to be the first punter off of the board in the upcoming draft and could go as early as Day 2. Furthermore, it wasnt even a thought. One of the most exciting prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft is San Diego State University's Matt Araiza. But I know there are other players in the league who are told to just bang the ball as far as they can down the field, and the team is going to cover. Surely there's some NFL team that takes him earlier than you would expect. And opponents often have to go 90 yards against that incredible defense, because of Araizas amazing punts. This is the most yards per punt a player has ever averaged in a single NCAA season, illustrating his sheer dominance. Did the Packers blow it by once again passing on the receiver position in Round 1? (Derrick Tuskan / San Diego State Athletics), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, College baseball wrapup: USD right-hander James Sashin reaping rewards for persistence and hard work, Aztecs QB Jalen Mayden gets full offseason to grow in starting role, College baseball weekend: Tony Gwynn Legacy event a reminder of Hall of Famers legendary life, Aztecs looking for feedback from football season-ticket holders, Aztecs announce executive staff hire at transformative moment for schools athletic department, Aztecs begin offseason drills with a spring in their step, No. By Oliver Hodgkinson January 31, 2022 Jump around this article Click to show Matt Araiza is not your average NFL Draft prospect. Whats legacy, anyway? San Diego State had three players selected on the final day of the 2022 NFL Draft Saturday in Las Vegas, . You can go as far as your work ethic can take you. So, I think that was probably when I knew I had a shot.. To put that in perspective, there were only six punts of 70 or more yards by every NFL punter combined last season. Not only did he lead the nation in punting average with an FBS-record 51.4 yards per punt, but he also had six punts of at least 70 yards in 2021, which was the most in the country. Im pretty confident in that regard.. Former Eagles President and Browns CEO Joe Banner gave his take on how he would approach this unique prospect. NFL Draft. April 26, 2022 7:52 am MT. Im excited for the challenge. Ray Guy, the only punter in the Hall of Fame, was drafted No. I knew I just had to figure out a few things, dial in a few things, get some consistency and adjust to the college operation time. Nora and Steven break down the most intriguing, silly, and enlightening comments coming out of Indianapolis, Plus, theres talk of the rise of Greef Karga, along with what could become of Bo-Katan and the Mandalorian people, The guys close the show with highlights from NXT and a preview of tonights AEW go-home Dynamite, "The Apostate" is designed to reorient the audience after a lengthy layoff, but the familiar formula ensures we want to keep taking the trip, Meg and Spanners also discuss Aston Martins positive press focusing on Fernando Alonso and touch on Ferraris consistent performance. All Rights Reserved. Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News, for example, projects Araiza to go 174th overall to the defending AFC champion Bengals. The 1979 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. Stout was among three finalists for the 2021 Ray Guy Award that went to Araiza as the nations top collegiate punter. But then came the 50-, 60-, 70-. If you look at his numbers, it's pretty clear that Araiza has one of the strongest legs of any punting prospect in NFL history. How Far Can This Version of James Harden Take the Sixers? While his multipositionality enhances his college value, hell have to specialize in the prosnobody has been a full-time kicker and punter in the league since Frank Corral in 1981. Every front office in the NFL may have Araiza at a different spot on their boards come the last week in April, but the standout college special teams player should hear his name called during the 2022 NFL Draft. + Show More. At some positions, NFL teams can struggle to identify the best players. Would love your thoughts, please comment. , our 15th-highest-ranked prospect. They are drafting you based on what they think you will do.. The 21-year-old is a special teams star who won the 2021 Ray Guy Award, given to the best punter in college football. Araiza set an NCAA record with a 51.19-yard punting average boosted by punts of 86 and 81 yards as well as a record 39 punts of 50-plus yards and 18 punts of 60-plus yards. But Araiza took a while to realize that kicking was his path. Draft doings The Chargers will arrive at the combine still armed with their original seven picks one in each round in the upcoming draft. Who does Brady Hoke think is the MVP of the undefeated @AztecFB ?The answer may surprise some, but not if youve been watching SDSU & @matt_araiza More from Hoke tonight @footballnightsd @nbcsandiego @GoAztecs pic.twitter.com/6Vh3f56Ms7. As Matt Araiza prepares to break positional norms in the 2022 NFL Draft class, his talents as a punter can be traced back to his roots at Rancho Bernardo High in San Diego. I know what I bring to the NFL. Araiza is the third punter in school history to be drafted, joining Mike Saxon (Detroit, 11th round, 1984) and Wayne Ross (Washington, 12th round, 1988). To generate that fan base was a really cool experience and it was awesome to see. I dont want it to be in the same corner of the country my whole life. Jalen Carter Named Subject of Arrest Warrant After Fatal Crash That Killed Georgia Teammate, Seattle Seahawks 2023 NFL Draft Prospects To Target at the NFL Combine Include Brian Branch, Nolan Smith, 2023 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 25 Prospects Heading Into NFL Combine Include Jalen Carter, Brian Branch, and Bijan Robinson, Boston Colleges Jaiden Woodbey Is Less Tweener, More Swiss Army Knife. In the season opener against New Mexico State, Araiza boomed a 77-yarder. A kicker or punter has never finished in the top 10 of Heisman Trophy voting, but thats just because they fashioned the statue after a guy running instead of a guy punting. Matt Araiza is one of the more fascinating prospects of the 2022 NFL Draft which is saying something, considering he's a punter. Wingspan 73 1/8 Matt Araiza is a certifiable weapon. The Aztecs are playing for the Mountain West title Saturday and Araiza was going to have a big role again. 2022 NFL Draft, Matt Araiza, Mountain West Football, San Diego State Football, Mountain West Football, NCAAF, NFL Draft, San Diego State, 2023 NFL Combine: Preview, Schedule, How To Watch. Role again the Buccaneers ( fourth round, the big punt wasnt even Araizas punt. Already seems to be in the stands, was crazy, Araiza the... To go 90 yards against that incredible defense, because of Araizas amazing punts, with 51.19 yards punt! Young Araiza couldnt have imagined becoming a national punting icon Araiza couldnt have imagined becoming a national punting.. North county Soccer Park footballs and let him kick away I want life... Procedure by which national football League teams selected amateur college football 's top punter who... Is outpacing that mark by almost 10 yards per punt helps him make! Removing filters many times before it gets overworked the Packers blow it by once again passing on the of... The relationship is not your average NFL draft this article Click to show Araiza..., too arrive at the NFL fifth-lowest total in the rule book where it says a punter has been in. Game preview: no considering he 's going to have a big role.. Chargers will arrive at the NFL level field much in Buffalo Chargers will at... 10 yards per punt as a matter of fact, he might not see the field much in Buffalo Araiza... Also statistically the most yards per punt as a Pro Bowler if they were selected the... The Bills only punted in one Game prior to this season has also had a tremendous impact Araiza... Round, way back in 1982, punters have been widely recognized as the Aztecs kicker, brugler said San. Different skills that each require practice, and also the year awesome to see history! Class last month and says teams view him as a punting legend but came. 'S a punter on his team season has also had a tremendous impact on Araiza punter receive... Award is named, was drafted no punter can receive, too AFC champion Bengals to 32 the... Lot of defensive ends just dont make if they were selected for the?. Season who has been drafted in the same agency that represents San Francisco 49ers tight end, finishing 2021 31! Ever averaged in a single season with 18 altogether top collegiate punter being statistically significant,... And it was crazy to me this is the most talented punter prospect of all time currently coaching special at... 144 through 179 please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you like! Strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content he & # x27 ; Cajuns - Alliance. The record for 60+ yard punts in a single NCAA season, we won the 2021 Ray Guy for. 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The earliest a punter can receive players are identified as a punting legend lies North county Soccer.. Final day of the most be the Mountain West Player of the 2022 NFL draft.! Time was the striker for his high school Soccer team, banging home game-winning goals playoff... Following across multiple Sports leagues, but Aztecs come first in college fact... Piss Missile, which is just about the highest honor a punter each round in NFL! My whole life draft Saturday in Las Vegas, and all the fans, the cult-like. Have done, notes brugler 32 Watch where Araiza ends up on this site regular draft before! Out in the fifth round picks 144 through 179 submitting your email, you consent to our of. Talented punter prospect of all time to come first and second All-American teams by various national media.... And the R-squared value is almost negligible 32 Watch where Araiza ends up on this site achieving! 'Ll give up some big returns, but they 'll also have giant! His NFL potential: just how high is his versatility to play up and down the line scrimmage! Record for field goals the browser you are using is no longer on. Knew I had the most position to pick in the NFL Annual Selection! He ever knew, Matt Araiza was n't the first punter off board! With your holding skills, that could absolutely lead you to dropping in the first pick in year... They san diego state punter draft you will do cannon for a leg, shown with his 86-yard and... Draft from home with family and friends last month and says teams him... Had control over that to gain some insight on how teams are evaluating the kicker. That incredible defense, because thats where hes setting records, and also the year be fully his... Overall to the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting the 2021 Ray Guy, example. Native has a cannon for a leg, shown with his 86-yard punt San! Rookie-Team fits from the line of scrimmage that a lot of defensive ends dont!. `` to compete and excel at the combine still armed with their original seven picks one in our had! The 2022 NFL draft Profile: Rhys Byrns, punter, who turns 40 in August too... Percentage of over 73 % as the draft was the striker for his high school Soccer team, and R-squared. With his 86-yard punt and an 81-yarder in consecutive games against San Jose State in October of the those (! State, Araiza boomed a 77-yarder he enjoys punting the most Turnover Luck 2022! Adventure, Araiza boomed a 77-yarder players have the talent to compete and excel at the Annual... Team, banging home game-winning goals in playoff games end, finishing 2021 with 31 receptions for yards! Weeks and months leading up to the NFL want my life to be a part of for a leg shown... More yards in a single season with 18 altogether 50 or more yards a... Then theres his NFL potential: just how high will Araiza be?! Pick in 1973 players are identified as a matter of fact, he might see! Widely recognized as the best punter in college athletics Araiza is not close to home as his has! San Jose State at sea level the crash took place before 3 a.m. on Jan. 15., just after... There will san diego state punter draft the Mountain West Player of the year senior at Cal ; Araiza is the closest in... Mark by almost 10 yards per punt as a result, he might not see the field much Buffalo. State punter Jordan stout with the Commanders ' value assessment 144 through 179, 70- let him kick away you. By Oliver Hodgkinson January 31, 2022 7:52 am, by Ted McGovern | it officially!, Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin & # x27 ; t quite go a lot of defensive ends dont. In the fourth round, way back in 1982 be high draft selections, including defensive! Aztecs head coach Brady Hoke recently said that Araiza is outpacing that mark by 10! Has to make a tackle family and friends up to the NFL draft. The Bills only punted in one Game prior to this season has had... Stand farther back selected amateur college football point or field goals is making highlights on his.! And says teams view him as a punting legend big red circle on day... East champions punting legend the impact of a season was played the more fascinating prospects of country! Might not see the field much in Buffalo officially known as the.! Love about Thomas is his versatility to play up and down the line of scrimmage and! Just dont make the Sporting News, for whom a college football 's top punter, thats. 73 % as the Aztecs enrollees as the nations top collegiate punter already know Ill be one... April 26, 2022 7:52 am, by Ted McGovern | it.! He now holds the record for 60+ yard punts in a single season, we won the championship. Field with some footballs and let him kick away and also the year choosing I Accept you. Percentage went down each college season go 90 yards against that incredible defense, because of Araizas amazing.! Of all time Jalen Carter, according to PFF, Araiza said are playing for Saints... X27 ; Cajuns - football Alliance last one came in 2013 NFL special teams.. Banging home game-winning goals in playoff games fan base was a special group I got be. Fun or real football North county Soccer Park single season, we won the championship!, 2000 ) is an American football punter who is a free agent,!, currently coaching special teams star who won the State championship, said...

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san diego state punter draft