2009 NFL Free Agency: Kickers/Punters

We too pray for Akers to continue his consistent kicking in 2009

As we approach the official start of the NFL’s 2009 Free Agency, we take a look at the Kickers and Punters available.  David Akers has been the Eagles placekicker for the past ten seasons, and is still alive and kicking.  At the beginning of the 2008 season Akers missed a few kicks and got a few more blocked, which had us very concerned that his leg strength was fading.  However, Akers came back strong in ‘08 and ended up hitting 33 of his 40 attempts.  As much as Eagles fans might not like to hear it, the days of Akers as our Kicker are numbered.

In terms of Punters, the Eagles have converted Aussie Rules Rubgy great Sav Rocca into an NFL Punter with some success.  Rocca’s definitely got the leg for the job, but there is much more to punting than kicking a ball.  Distance, placment and hang-time all come into play while the Punter averts the elements and opposing defenses.  Although Rocca is still learning the neuances of punting in the NFL, he has been a solid contributor thus far in his short NFL career.

The Eagles would be wise to bring in some competition for Akers in the ‘09 off-season.  Although the kicking game isn’t glamourous, it is a critical element to success in the NFL.

Kickers

• Shaun Suisham – 27 – Washington
• Matt Stover – 41 – Baltimore
• John Carney – 44 – New Jersey A
• Mike Nugent – 26 – New Jersey B

Punters

• Michael Koenen (Franchised) – 26 – Atlanta
• Ben Graham – 35 – Arizona
• Craig Hentrich – 37 – Tennessee

Of the available kickers, youngins Mike Nugent and Shaun Suisham are the only two I would consider bringing in to compete with Akers.  Teams don’t usually let a good kicker slip away, but in the case of Nugent I think that his second round draft status raised the expectations to unneccessary levels.  He could end up turning out to be a good kicker for years to come.

Atlanta’s franchising of Punter Michael Koenen shows just how important the kicking game is in the NFL. In 2009, I hope to see Rocca continue to improve while Akers just needs to keep trucking on.