Coach Marwan Maalouf, currently coaching special teams at the University of Miami and longtime NFL special teams coach, thinks highly of Araiza. Matt Araiza NFL Draft projections. These traits make for an incredibly impressive athlete, but how would he test at the NFL Combine? So why not invest a valuable resource in a player who can boom the ball farther, higher, and with more accuracy than anyone else at his position? One of the most exciting prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft is San Diego State Universitys Matt Araiza. During his first two seasons with the Aztecs, he hit long field goals of 48 yards (Wyoming 19, Colorado 20). Win at all costs happens with every team. Do It All. During a college career that started at Virginia Tech before his transfer to the Nittany Lions, Stout has been a kickoff specialist, punter, field-goal and extra-point kicker, and even turned his hand to playing quarterback on a fake punt against Michigan in his final season. But when you boom not just one, but two punts over 80 yards, you earn some attention. Matt Araiza is one of the more fascinating prospects of the 2022 NFL Draft which is saying something, considering he's a punter. A versatile punter who can flip field position and force the opposition to account for him while nailing game-winning field goals with regularity is hard to find. | NFL All Day Pack Opening, Jimbo Fisher Isnt Leaving Texas A&M Football, New Texas State Football Coach Wont Last Long, Best PrizePicks College Football DFS Picks and Player Props for CFP National Championship, TCU vs Georgia Prediction, Odds and College Football National Championship Betting Picks, Marcus Jones Draft Profile: Stats, Highlights and 2022 NFL Draft Projection, Cameron Dicker Draft Profile: Stats, Highlights and 2022 NFL Draft Projection, How To Watch Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury In Canada, Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury LIVE! Even then, the potential power lingering in his left leg remained lowkey. Based on Over The Cap's projections, . Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. According to the NFL Mock Draft Database, . Colorado States Ryan Stonehouse featured just behind Araiza this year, with an average of 50.9 yards per punt. The LA Chargers could consider drafting Matt Araiza in the 2022 NFL Draft. The first two punters went off the board in the fourth round with the Ravens selecting Jordan Stout and the Buccaneers taking Jake Camarda. Theres simply no escaping it. Khalil Shakir is going down the well of a former Buffalo Bills great to hopefully improve in Year 2: Eric Moulds. In fact, there hasnt been an NFL starter in the 21st century built as big as the Aussie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Other Aztecs are also headed for the NFL Draft as well. It's not often the best player on a team is the punter, but that was the case for the Aztecs last season. August 26, 2022. Not only has he shown his prowess as a punter, but Coach Maalouf adds he kicked off as well and was good at it. A versatile punter who can flip field position and force the opposition to account for him while nailing game-winning field goals with regularity is hard to find. Matt Araiza came into the 2022 NFL Draft as a fan favorite. The prolific punter also showcased his versatility as a powerful placekicker, hitting 77% of his 48 attempts with a career long of 53 yards. 174. The San Diego, California native has a. as the Aztecs kicker. Araiza sits neatly at the intersection of crusty old Football Guys and the new wave of analytically inclined general managers. Despite those struggles,Araizas game against UNLV gave the football world its first glimpse of him as a punter, nailing 4 of 5 punts over 50 yards. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. For reference, the NFL single-season record for average punt is 51.4 yards. Finally, Araiza has shown toughness and athletic ability during his time at San Diego State. Punter Bryan Anger famously went five picks before Russell Wilson in 2012 with the 70th overall pick. All the more impressive, the 2021 season was Araiza's first taking on full-time punting duties for the Aztecs. Before the 2022 NFL Draft, NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein projected Araiza to go in the third round. He converted all but one of his 97 career extra-point attempts, too. The truth of the matter, however, is that Araiza is just the tip of the iceberg of a talented punting class. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. But I can tell you, we just tried to do what was right, Beane said. Ive never seen a team do thisTheres a returner at the 30 (50 yards deep from the LOS)Then there's a DEEPER returner at the 10 (SEVENTY YARDS AWAY)AND IT WENT OVER BOTH THEIR HEADS https://t.co/m7Hlsa2tLa. From the aforementioned information, it appears that Araiza is an elite punting prospect. From there, lift off. The San Diego State redshirt junior did so by setting an NCAA record with 36 punts of . An immobile quarterback with a sketchy knee will be a no-no for most teams, and depending on how concerned teams are about the injury he could slip all the way to day three of the draft. The Packers in 2021 saw Mason Crosby struggle and it may have been the end of his Packers career. As a FG kicker, his completion percentage has declined with every college season. That hasn't happened for a punter since 2012, when Jacksonville selected Cal's . So that builds his value to your team especially if you have an older kicker who now you can take the kickoff duty from.. Araiza joined the NFL in April as a sixth-round draft pick. "The coach I had for my first eight years in New Orleans, if I hit a punt over 55 yards, he was mad," Morstead said. If we include the multi-faceted Travon Walker in the discussion, he may wind up being the third defensive lineman taken from Georgias all-world defensive front. The San Diego, California native has a career kicking percentage of over 73% as the Aztecs kicker. His season average of 51.19 yards set a new single-season record. Araiza seems like he's going to be a good fit in Buffalo. Four punters were chosen in the 2016 NFL Draft. Of course, draft analysis, projections and rumors will be dominating the headlines until then. Punter prospects in the NFL Draft are more commonplace than youd presume. Even these statistical accomplishments usually wouldnt attract the adoration that Araiza has received in this NFL Draft process. Harbaugh seems to prefer a finesse punter, which is what he's had over the years with Sam Koch, who's been Baltimore's punter since 2006. Many even called him the 'Punt God.' More than just power, Araiza has a punting style that causes the ball to roll forward if it is not caught. Jordan Davis combines size and athleticism. During his three-year stint as the starter for Rancho Bernardo, Araiza boomed a 71-yard long punt. 17 for the first round of the draft. 1 CB, Paul Burmeister: Why Derek Carr Might Not Be QB to Win You a Championship, Tracker: Patriots Release QB Hoyer. His 51.2 yards per punt is the most in a single season by any college punter in the history of the sport. He played fewer than half of Georgias defensive snaps in 2021 and played only 18% of third-down snaps. In his first season, Araiza handled kicking and kickoff duties, as his punting prowess remained hidden. If he passes those criteria while youre working him out and he hits the Duke well, able to turn the ball over, then yes, you check off the boxes., Once a special teams coach feels comfortable with Araizas ability, the coach may want to suggest the rest of the front office look into acquiring him in the draft. Consistent directional punter that can kick it out to the sidelines or place it inside the 10-yard line. Hawaii had to employ an insane punt coverage against him. He followed that up with a Thanos-like performance at the scouting combine: the 341 lb Davis ran the 40-yard dash in 4.78 seconds, the fastest for any player over 330 lb at the combine since 2006; Davis later had a standing broad jump of 10ft 3in, the record for a player over 300 pounds; he tacked on a 34in vertical leap for good measure, a doubletake-worthy figure for someone of his size. No other punter has nailed two 80+ yard punts in 2021. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Of course, Ray Guys first-round selection in 1973 is an anomaly. With his power and quick punting style, gunners often have minimal time to cover Araizas punts. Just the 270th-ranked player in California and 2,609th nationally, Araiza held only three offers, with San Diego State winning out over UMass and FCS-level Montana. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. 2023 NFL Combine Hand Size Results: Notable Quarterback Measurements and More, 2023 NFL Combine Risers: Christian Gonzalez, Deonte Banks, and Brian Branch Perform Well, Anthony Richardson Combine Results: Florida Star Makes Case for QB1, Jahmyr Gibbs Landing Spots: Eagles, Saints, and Cardinals Most Popular in Mock Drafts. All Rights Reserved. In yesterdays game, Matt Araiza elevated his NCAA record with his 16th punt of 60+ yards this year. Not too shabby. We're not controlling field position.' 5th Year Option Projections; Free Agency. Meanwhile, he averaged 41.7 yards on 120 punts that tallied over 5,000 yards. I recognize that my train of thought may be different from the rest of the league. There have been multiple third-round selections, while FSU punter John Stark was a second-round choice in 1982. If that seems confusing/odd/laughable (delete as applicable), think about this: In 2021 he hit 18 punts of 60-plus yards and a pair of 80-plus yarders. Among the players expected to hear his name is punter Matt Araiza out of San Diego State. There have only been 10 punts of 80 yards in the entirety of college football this century. But there are tantalising stories further down the board. Both Stout and Camarda carry draftable grades from NFL scouts. The San Diego State product has shot up draft boards (relatively) thanks to a season in which he set an NCAA record by averaging 51.19 yards per punt, eclipsing the record set by Texas A&M's Braden Mann in 2018. That says two things in particular: one, that I am a sad enough person to have scouted dozens of punters, and two, that Araiza is a special talent at his position. As a result, theres an ever-growing feeling that his floor in the 2022 NFL Draft will be the fifth round. Landing both prospects would fill position needs, but that's a dream scenario because Gardner will likely be long gone if the Chargers decide to stay at No. However, even in recent history, multiple punters were selected in 2019 and 2020. Versatility is next to ability or something of that nature. Do you mind if I try playing football?. He has another 80-yard punt this season too. Stroud: I dont want to go to the Bears; thats Fields team, OPINION: Cocaine Bear is stupid, but in a really good way. Those two picks were also somewhat surprising, if only because you almost never see two punters get taken that early With Stout going at 130th overall and Camarda going three picks later, this year marked just the third time since 1993 that two punters were taken before the end of the fourth round. If Im punting five to seven times per game and the disparity in average yards is just a few, this doesnt translate to that significant of a difference overall. Araiza also boomed an 86-yard punt last season, which was the longest in college football. That said, it appears unlikely that Araiza will be a realistic target for them unless he somehow falls to Round 5. He isnt a novelty: hes an assured pass protector who has the huge frame that could make him special. As mentioned before, Araiza is incredibly versatile and can help the special teams unit in an impactful way. He is exceptional on fourth down, averaging 51.2 yards per punt in his most recent season. 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. When it comes to punters, the bigger surprise is that the Buccaneers took Camarda over Araiza. Matt Araiza Overview. The likes of Mitch Wishnowsky and Max Duffy from recent draft classes utilized this style of punting before entering the NFL. That demonstrates a level of composure that will be invaluable at the next level. Kenny Pickett College Football Highlights 2021, Aaron Rodgers is Using Leverage to Help Davante Adams, DEBUT Tom Brady, Joe Burrow and Josh Allen! At least three punters will be selected in the 2022 NFL Draft that is the prediction. Im tougher, stronger, more athletic than Odafe Oweh. Araiza was widely viewed as the top punting prospect after a 2021 college season that ended with him winning the Ray Guy award. Daniel Faalele after Minnesotas win over Colorado in September. The only other times it happened came in 1993 and 2007. The left-legged punter can effortlessly boom the ball the entire length of the field. 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. This power was proved in the 2021 season, as he had 18 punts of 60+ yards and two of 80+ yards. On Aug. 25 shortly after the team awarded Araiza the starting punting job, he was accused of being part of a gang raping of a 17-year-old girl while he attended San Diego State, according to the Los Angeles Times. Does a terrific job selling fake punts. For whatever reason, punters have been a popular position to pick in this year's draft. Fewer punters have been more consistent than the Georgia prospect. The. Get the latest on Buffalo Bills P Matt Araiza including news, stats, videos, and more on CBSSports.com . 1 pick, Richardson logs colossal measurements at combine, Commanders rip 'blatantly false' team sale report, Top QB in draft has one team he doesn't want to play for. Increasing his punt average with every year, Stout earned an invite to the Senior Bowl, where he impressed in sometimes torrid conditions. 2022 NFL Draft Predictions: Matt Araiza leads class of at least three punters picked, The punter prospects projected to be drafted in this 2022 NFL Draft prediction, Ryan Stonehouse and Cameron Dicker round out punter predictions for the 2022 NFL Draft. For starters, college football allows for any player to go downfield after the snap on a punt. Youll see here part of what makes Araiza so special. He is a threat to cover his own punts and kicks. Certainly, the conversation around Araiza as a potential Day 2 prospect fuels that narrative. Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News, for example, projects Araiza to go 174th overall to the defending AFC champion Bengals. It also helps that Araiza is a quality kickoff specialist, as he has finished in the top-5 in the FBS in average distance on kickoffs in 2020, and his touchback percentage of 84.9 percent was the fourth-most in the nation in 2021. Before we get into the sexier traits of punter scouting if such a thing exists I want to get into San Diego States punt formation being a benefit for Araiza. He is exceptional on fourth down, averaging 51.2 yards per punt in his most recent season. Past. 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 | It's probable that he would have hit a fourth for 55 yards . If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. (AV) of a punter per season who has been drafted in the last 15 seasons. No other punter in history has more 50+ and 60+ yard punts in a single season. Talk about flipping the field. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Despite that, things haven't really changed from out first look at it. Nicknamed "Punt God," the San Diego State product became well known for booming punts 80 yards and averaging an NCAA-record 51.19 yards . Between high school punting and a love of soccer, he developed a powerful leg that has been comfortably the most powerful in college football this last season. That's no fault to the other guys on the offensive or defensive side of the . All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Matt Araiza With Camarda now in Tampa, that likely spells the end of Bradley Pinion's three-year run with the team. Araizas leg power is also demonstrated as a field goal and kickoff specialist. In 2019, he hit 84.6% of his kicks. Below is a quick blurb about each Cornerback, Safety, Kicker, Punter, and Long Snapper I have scouted for the 2022 NFL Draft. Additionally, few of these punters have been widely recognized as the best at their position, even for one season. Used as a field-goal kicker for San Diego State and shows the ability to hit them from long distance. Four drafted punters are actually less rare than one might imagine. Two NFL teams had Matt Araiza red flags before draft. On his list of the top 150 prospects on NFL.com, Daniel Jeremiah listed Araiza at No. 147, a high fifth-round pick. The rest of the league has moved to embrace the off-script creators, players who can go and get a bucket all by themselves with their arms or legs when the offensive structure breaks down. That said, Matt Araiza is a generational talent at punter. The 2022 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, with the first round kicking off on Thursday, April 28th. Matt Araiza is San Diego State's record-setting punter. Ill make a bold statement and say that, if the Bears trade down and acquire a pick in Round 4, I wouldnt be furious if they took Araiza with that selection. Matt Araiza Position: PunterHeight: 61Weight: 200 lbsAge: 21College: San Diego State Aztecs. Before the 2022 NFL Draft, NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein projected Araiza to go in the third round. ), wins college football weekend, deserves the Heisman . The San Diego State punter set a 4.68-second 40-yard dash while registering a 101 broad and 32 vertical jump. No other player this season has two 80+ yard punts. NFL GMs have got to love that. Matt Araiza had two punts of more than 80 yards last season, including an 86-yarder that was the longest punt in college football. Stop by our 2nd City Gridiron YouTube channel for Bear Bones LIVE at FIVE as we get in on some mock draft fun! As Araiza prepares to break positional norms in the 2022 NFL Draft class, his prolific performances as a punter can be traced back to his roots at Rancho Bernardo High in San Diego. What I was asked to do was different from a skill set (perspective) than maybe other players have. Copyright 2019-2023. FanSided.com; . The biggest surprise is that college football's top punter, Matt Araiza, wasn't the first punter off the board this year. Both are a long shot to be drafted at the end of the month. The victims lawyer, Dan Gilleon, said the Bills also ignored his warnings about Araiza in late July. Brugler's take: The Ray Guy Award winner last season, Araiza has a booming leg and showed it off as a punter and kicker (field goals, extra points, kickoffs . The Bills may not have known about the allegations hanging over punter Matt Araiza when they . School: San Diego State. Winning the first down forcing a negative play or creating a second-and-ten is how defenses can keep up in the era of the chunk play offense. I would rather draft depth at other positions, such as defensive back and linebacker, where the players can develop while contributing on special teams.. Coffin corners, hang-time, and inside the 20 are phrases being used in evaluation that barely see the light of day ordinarily. Chicago Bears Schedule, News, Roster and Stats | Windy City Gridiron, 2022 NFL Draft: The Matt Araiza film breakdown, 2023 NFL Combine: Winners from Day 2 of DB workouts. Of Araiza's 79 punts, 37 went for at least 50 yards; 17 went for 60 yards or more; six went at least 70 yards; and two went for 80-plus yards (no other punter had two punts of 80 yards). Given the recent trends of where punters have been drafted, it would make sense for Araiza to be selected on Day 3 since only Bryan Anger has been taken before then in the past 15 years. He wound up landing at Minnesota, using the Madden video game series to swot up on the rules and regulations. and 387lb (!!) An all-around special teams contributor, the 2021 unanimous All-American had kickoff duties for San Diego State. Consistency, then Penn State punter Jordan Stout should be called Mr. Matt Araiza is currently projected to be drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals at No. After hitting an 86-yard punt against Hawaii, Araiza has become something of a social media starlet, earning the nickname Punt God.. Matt Araiza had two punts of more than 80 yards last season, including an 86-yarder that was the longest punt in college football.He might be able to punt a football from San Diego to Buffalo. As soon as the ball left Matt Araiza's foot, the competition between the rookie and Matt Haack was over. Here's everything you need to know about Araiza heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. 174) - 1. He was an unanimous All-American and the Ray Guy Award winner in 2021, making FBS history as the single-season leader with 51.19 yards per punt. He believes it is worth taking chances on other positions earlier in the draft rather than a punter. After the horrendous playoff performance, the Packers . With only two defenders shooting downfield, returning teams dont have to worry as much about initial pressure up the middle and have more of an opportunity to rush the punter. And no, thats not the type of gimmicky love youll see bestowed on some other athletes in minor roles. Some collegiate punters especially Australian punters with Aussie rule backgrounds work out of a rugby-style delivery, which includes wider splits between blockers and a running approach from the punter before kicking it low with the intention of having it bounce and be difficult for returners to field. Among the players expected to hear his name is punter Matt Araiza out of San Diego State. This season Araiza hasnt had a single kick punt or field goal blocked. Banners rationale is driven by the notion of replacement value. Araiza was selected by the Bills in the sixth round (180th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. One of the most dangerous weapons in college football is San Diego State punter Matt Araiza. Araiza served as SDSU's placekicker while he was in college, so he's never had to hold. The Buffalo Bills are going to have a tough decision to make. Chicago Bears 2023 Free Agency Roundtable: Signing we dont want to see. Like clockwork. Throughout his time as an Aztec, Araiza also successfully . Hes a talented guy who should help with winning the field position category., However, just like any other special teams prospect, Coach Maalouf believes the San Diego State product should be worked out by coaches. It is officially mock draft season! section: | slug: 2022-nfl-draft-shocker-bills-land-punt-god-matt-araiza-who-surprisingly-gets-taken-behind-two-other-punters | sport: football | route: article_single.us | The redshirt freshman hit 85% of his field goals, nailed every extra point attempt, and smashed 78% of his kickoffs through the back of the end zone. Where most people have legs attached to their torso, Araiza has an actual cannon. The Punt God is averaging far more yards per punt than Anger did his senior year. Araiza is set to be one of the highest-selected punters in recent NFL Draft history. At the very least, remember the name Matt Araiza and the punt god designation following him. I cant see him falling past Round 4, which seems like a weird thing to say about a punter, but thats definitely the case with him. C.J. Punters are NFL Draft prospects, too always have been, always will be. NFL draft projection. Continue with Recommended Cookies, (Derrick Tuskan/San Diego State Athletics). 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. Aidan Hutchinson and Kayvon Thibodeaux will feature as top picks later this month. Araiza also succeeds as a kickoff specialist, recording 62 touchbacks on 73 attempts. SOMEONE GET ME A TABLE!! There have only been two draft classes since the turn of the century where a punter hasnt been selected in the NFL Draft. For his career, Araiza averaged 51.1 yards per punt. However, he set a new single-season program record for field goals with 22. DATABASE. Manage Settings Nicknamed "Punt God," the San Diego state product is well known for averaging 80 yards of bounce and an NCAA-record 51.19 yards per punt in 2021. . In the first of these predictions pieces, Matt Araiza leads a cast of at least three punters selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. FILE - San Diego State's Matt Araiza (2) celebrates his field goal against . He probably wont be the first defensive lineman selected from his own team. The NFL Draft doesn't usually give us very many surprises when it comes to punting, but it came through with two big surprises on Saturday. For the . NFL punter Matt Araiza and two San Diego State football players accused in gang-rape lawsuit. No punter has been selected in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft since 1995. Redshirting his 2018 season, Araiza learned under San Diego State kicker John Barron II. One theory on why he fell is because he's never held for extra point or field goals. Araizas punting style with a nose-down punt leaves improvement for coffin corners. AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. 2021 ALL-MOUNTAIN WEST SECOND TEAM (COACHES): PK - Matt Araiza, Jr., San Diego State,.Araiza, a finalist for the Ray Guy Award, has already set NCAA records in 50-yard punts (38) and 60-yard punts (18) in a season, and is on track to break Braden Mann's record of 50.98 set in 2018 while with Texas A&M. He was also one of four players in the nation who handled all three kicking duties (punts, PATs/field goals and kickoffs), Araiza was 18-of-28 . In this graphic, there appears to be nearly no association between where a player was selected and his average AV per season. He converted all but one of his 97 career extra-point attempts, too. In 2021, the Bills only punted a total of 52 times, which was tied for the fifth-lowest total in the NFL. The San Diego State punter was better than Camarda in almost every metric last season. Getting off the field on third downs is a staple of shouty-man-on-TV analysis, but success on first downs is more predictive of long-term success. Also, a higher average yards per punt does not always mean better sometimes you want to directionally punt, so this can be misleading. This season, Araiza has set records and social media alight with his left leg cannon. Can he shuffle his size-18 feet quickly enough to keep up with Von Miller off the edge? Landing both prospects would fill position needs, but that's a dream scenario because Gardner will likely be long gone if the Chargers decide to stay at No. Consistency. Consistent ball striking, hang time, and placement are key factors in punter evaluation. He also has the ability to make tackles, with speed and athleticism.
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