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K Mike Nugent (All American, Lou Groza Winner, National Champion)

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In my opinion, teams should use their first and second round picks for more "important" players than kickers. Sure, kickers can win/lose games, but I think that the rest of the team gets the kickers into that position. If you spend your high rounds on kickers, punters, or tight ends (stupid Browns), you're losing the players you probably need to draft to other teams. I doubt that Nuge will be drafted before the beginning of Round Three.
 
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Zurp said:
I doubt that Nuge will be drafted before the beginning of Round Three.
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Nuge is a phenom. The number of kicks Nuge has already made in his career from 50+ yards is really quite silly. Nuge made more long kicks just this year than most college coaches will give their kickers attempts in their entire careers.

Nuge will be gone before Round 3 begins. I think the quotes we're hearing from coaches like Gruden are really smoke-and-mirrors, because they're obviously not going to show their entire draft strategy a month ahead of time. The draft is just as competitive as the game itself, and someone is jockeying behind closed doors for Nuge's services.

I think he'll go early because NFL teams know he won't be there in the 3rd round when it's the "appropriate time" to start drafting kickers.
 
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Zurp said:
In my opinion, teams should use their first and second round picks for more "important" players than kickers. Sure, kickers can win/lose games, but I think that the rest of the team gets the kickers into that position. If you spend your high rounds on kickers, punters, or tight ends (stupid Browns), you're losing the players you probably need to draft to other teams. I doubt that Nuge will be drafted before the beginning of Round Three.
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Actually--not picking on Zurp specifically- the issue here is not so much talent as Cap.

Do you want to pay 2nd round dollars for your kicker?

Dryden mentioned the Cowboys... now... its tougher to say with the Tuna on board... but Jerry Jones history says they won't take Nuge... why do you think they've gone through Timmy Seder, Billy Cundiff and whoever else they have had... hell... they didn't get rid of Seder because the next guy was better (even if he was) they got rid of him because they had to give him a vet minimum raise...
 
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As someone already pointed out, Nuge has his head screwed on straight... something Janikowski was lacking.

But more than that look back at past game tapes and watch how many times Nugent gets downfield and makes a tackle after a kickoff... and he knows how to tackle, get's squared away, doesn't bite on a fake or dive for the feet and pray, he makes good, sure tackles. That, to me, elevated him above the realm of kicker.
 
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AKAKBUCK said:
Do you want to pay 2nd round dollars for your kicker?
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I think we're both saying that the kicker isn't "important" enough for 2nd round. You're saying it with money, while I'm saying that you don't want to "waste" a 2nd-round pick on a kicker. I think, if I had a team, I'd use 2nd round to upgrade my O-line or D-line, or maybe get a solid, but maybe not celebrated linebacker or d-back.

We should all be thankful that I'm not owner or GM of a team, eh?
 
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bullsfan75 said:
...our kicking situation will be set for a decade.
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At a minimum. Morten Andersen has shown that the great kickers be be effective for 20 years...the way Nugent practices and takes care of himself, there's no reason why he can't be kicking into his 40s.
 
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Tampa Bay is screwed this year with cap money. They have 11 or 12 picks this year in the draft... don't know where they will find enough money to pay their top picks. If you factor in the money I don't think Tampa Bay will go for NUGE in the second round.
 
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Nuge gets some props from cbssportsline.com

img8365644.jpg

Mike Nugent's track record suggests he's a safe pick.(Getty Images)

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/8365719

Draft preview: Buckeyes' Nugent tops short kickers list
Sometimes there are a handful of draft-eligible kickers who excite pro scouts. Sometimes there are only a couple. This year there is one.

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=150 align=left><TBODY><TR><TD width=150>
img8365641.jpg
</TD><TD width=15></TD></TR><TR><TD width=150>Mike Nugent was so important at Ohio State teammates voted him MVP. (Getty Images) </TD><TD width=15></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Mike Nugent, come on down.

The Ohio State senior is the only kicker or punter who looms as a first-day draft pick, with some scouts insisting he could sneak into the second round. More than likely, he goes in the third -- the same place San Diego took Nate Kaeding a year ago -- and to a club like, say, Washington or the New York Jets.

Either would make sense. The Redskins lost three games by a field goal last year. They win those, and they're in the playoffs. The Jets lost to Pittsburgh in the AFC playoffs when Doug Brien blew field goals late in the fourth quarter and in overtime. If he makes just one, they're one win from the Super Bowl.

I think you get the point. With nearly 25 percent of all NFL games today decided by three or fewer points, you can't afford to miss on your kicker -- and choosing Mike Nugent is not exactly what you'd call a risk.

The envelope, please:
  • He hit 24 of 27 field goals last season and 65 of 74 the past three.
  • He nailed a school-record 17 at home without a miss.
  • He landed a 55-yarder.
  • He set 19 school records.
  • He was the team captain. Think about that: A placekicker was the captain of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
"Mike Nugent is the closest thing to a slam-dunk that I've seen in quite awhile," said one NFC special teams coordinator. "He can step right in tomorrow and be your kicker."

NFL scouts like Nugent's consistency, but they love his ability to make the clutch kick. He hit an overtime field goal to beat Purdue in 2003. His 55-yarder last season knocked off Marshall. He nailed all three field-goal attempts, including a 48-yarder, in last year's 37-21 upset of archrival Michigan and tied a school record with five field goals against North Carolina State.

"This guy's the real deal," said an AFC assistant. "If he doesn't make it I'd be shocked."

He isn't alone. Nugent's teammates thought so much of the guy they voted him their MVP last season -- the first time in school history that happened. Then, others followed, with Nugent chosen as the winner of last year's Groza Award, given annually to the nation's best collegiate kicker. He became the first Ohio State kicker to win.
At the February NFL scouting combine Nugent said his goal was to be the first kicker drafted. Consider that one done, too.

"This guy is a very, very good kicker," said one AFC assistant. "He's extremely accurate, and his ball tracks straight. Plus, he makes big kicks."

If there's a knock on Nugent it's his leg strength. I know, I know, he tied a school record with five 50-yarders, and he banged that 55-yarder against Marshall, but scouts were disappointed with the distance of his kickoffs at the combine. None reached the end zone, and, remember, it's not only the yard line and tee that change in the NFL for kickoffs; it's the ball itself.

"There's a little bit of a difference," said an unconcerned Nugent. "But after two or three times on the field and kicking it everything's back to normal."

OK, so we're nitpicking here. When you play at Ohio State and make nearly 88 percent of your field goals -- including 5-for-6 from 50 yards and beyond -- you have a future in the pros. Besides, if it's kickoffs that are the problem, go find a Martin Gramatica or Wade Richey to put the ball into orbit, and leave the rest to Nugent.

Believe me, somebody will.

"If I needed a kicker, this is the guy I'd take -- and I might not wait until the third round," said an NFC assistant.

Neither would I.

<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=bg0><TD align=left colSpan=2>Top Prospects: Kickers </TD></TR><TR class=bg1 vAlign=top><TD align=left>Top Five </TD></TR><TR class=bg2 vAlign=top><TD vAlign=top>1. Mike Nugent, PK, Ohio State </TD></TR><TR class=bg3><TD align=left>The skinny: The class of the group. The 2004 Groza Award winner, Nugent is remarkably accurate, hitting 24 of 27 field goals last year. He also makes big kicks, hitting five 50 yarders. Could be drafted as high as the second round.. </TD></TR><TR class=bg2 vAlign=top><TD vAlign=top>2. Dave Rayner, PK, Michigan State </TD></TR><TR class=bg3><TD align=left>The skinny: He hit 71 percent of his field goals last year, including 5 of 6 from 40-49 yards. Has a chance to be drafted, but it won't happen until late. </TD></TR><TR class=bg2 vAlign=top><TD vAlign=top>3. Adam Anderson, P, Western Michigan </TD></TR><TR class=bg3><TD align=left>The skinny: One of the best-kept secrets, Anderson gains attention for his consistency and strong leg. Had at least one 50-yard punt in all but three games last year.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
 
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Mel Kiper projects Nuge to the Vikings in the 2nd round ...

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft05/columns/story?columnist=kiper_jr_mel&id=2034734

First-round talent available in the second
By Mel Kiper Jr., Special to ESPN Insider

The second round is often the place to find great value in the NFL draft, and 2005 should be no different.

Defensive tackle Mike Patterson of USC is rated ahead of teammate Shaun Cody among defensive linemen, but because of team needs I project Cody as a first-rounder and Patterson as a second-rounder. That means the Raiders will get a great deal at No. 38 if my projection holds true.

The same can be said of teams drafting offensive linemen David Baas of Michigan and Chris Spencer of Mississippi, both of whom have the versatility to play more than one position along the line, and Tulane wide receiver Roydell Williams and San Diego State linebacker Matt McCoy, both of whom were not invited to the combine but should become second-round picks.

Other interesting names in my second-round projection include Ohio State kicker Mike Nugent, Charlie Frye of Akron, Mississippi offensive lineman Marcus Johnson and Connecticut linebacker Alfred Fincher.

33. San Francisco 49ers: Eric Green, CB, Virginia Tech
Green is an in-your-face corner who would fill a need area for the Niners. He is reminiscent of current NFL standout Al Harris.

34. Cleveland Browns: Darryl Blackstock (jr.), LB, Virginia
A pass-rushing outside linebacker who has tremendous athletic ability and played in an NFL-type system under Al Groh.

35. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami): Odell Thurman (jr.), LB, Georgia
One of the most instinctive linebackers in the draft, Thurman was an inside linebacker in college but could move to the outside at the next level.

36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Roscoe Parrish (jr.), WR, Miami
Would be a nice third option in the passing game with his ability to run after the catch, and would also be valuable as a return man.

37. Tennessee Titans: Jerome Mathis, WR, Hampton
The first non-Division I-A player in my projection, Mathis dominated the I-AA ranks with his size, speed and hands and has the tools to succeed under new offensive coordinator Norm Chow. The Titans might also be looking for the heir-apparent to quarterback Steve McNair, so consider Auburn quarterback Jason Campbell a possibility here, too.

38. Oakland Raiders: Mike Patterson, DT, USC
As I said earlier, getting his big presence to fill a need along the defensive front would be a steal for the Raiders with Patterson possessing first-round talent.

39. Chicago Bears: Ryan Moats (jr.), RB, Louisiana Tech
Moats is elusive and has tremendous ability to change direction, something that allowed him to put up excellent numbers in college.

40. New Orleans Saints (from Washington): Bryant McFadden, CB, Florida State
I have been screaming for years that the Saints need to draft a big-time corner and McFadden fits the bill. Perhaps the most aggressive corner in the draft, he also has good size.

41. Detroit Lions: Ray Willis, OT, Florida State
An absolute destroyer in the running game, Willis would really help emerging star Kevin Jones make a bigger mark.

42. Dallas Cowboys: Brodney Pool (jr.), S, Oklahoma
Was not as impressive as a junior as he was during his sophomore season, but Pool is instinctive and has good athletic ability. Along with former Oklahoma Sooner Roy Williams, Pool would make a nice OU tandem in Dallas' defensive backfield.

43. New York Giants: Anttaj Hawthorne, DT, Wisconsin
A 323-pound clogger in the middle who would boost a New York run defense that finished 14th in the NFL last season.

44. Arizona Cardinals: Stanley Wilson, CB, Stanford
Current Arizona coach Dennis Green was once the coach at Stanford and knows what kind of players come out of Palo Alto. Wilson was a four-year starter for the Cardinal.

45. Carolina Panthers: David Baas, OL, Michigan
Baas has a mean streak and banged heads with some of the best linemen in the nation during his four years at Michigan. He has a first-round grade because of his ability to play both center and guard.

46. Kansas City Chiefs: Mark Bradley, WR, Oklahoma
Was the best receiver in the country after the catch last season. A former defensive back, Bradley's best football is ahead of him as he learned the finer points of the position.

47. Houston Texans: Roydell Williams, WR, Tulane
Was not among the 40 receivers at the combine but has steadily moved up thanks to his stellar workouts and productive college career.

48. Cincinnati Bengals: Chris Spencer (jr.), OL, Mississippi
Another offensive lineman who trades on his versatility, Spencer can play any position along the line.

49. Minnesota Vikings: Mike Nugent, PK, Ohio State
The Vikings have two first-round picks and filled a lot of needs via free agency, so they can afford to go after a player who is unquestionably the best kicker in the draft.

50. St. Louis Rams: Justin Tuck (jr.), DE, Notre Dame
The Rams need a defensive end and Tuck is a good value pick at this point after slipping due to durability concerns.

51. Green Bay Packers (from New Orleans): Charlie Frye, QB, Akron
A tough player with good mobility and accuracy, Frye would become the heir apparent to Brett Favre and have time to get ready to step in once the Green Bay fixture is ready to retire.

52. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trent Cole, DE, Cincinnati
An undersized end in the Hugh Douglas mold, Cole has a good first step and can get into the backfield.

53. Baltimore Ravens: Marcus Johnson, OL, Mississippi
Yet another versatile lineman, Johnson can play guard or tackle and has the overall consistency NFL scouts look for.

54. Seattle Seahawks: Matt McCoy, LB, San Diego State
An under-the-radar prospect who was not at the combine, McCoy has great instincts and aggressiveness despite his lack of ideal size.

55. Buffalo Bills: Luis Castillo, DT, Northwestern
A feisty player with terrific intensity and a great motor.

56. Denver Broncos: Evan Mathis, G, Alabama
Mathis is one of the fastest-rising offensive line prospects thanks to impressive workouts. He can play both center and guard.

57. New York Jets: Jonathan Babineaux, DT, Iowa
A very intense, productive college player who teamed with projected first-rounder Matt Roth to cause trouble for Big Ten offensive linemen.

58. Green Bay Packers: Gerald Sensabaugh, S, North Carolina
The 6-0½, 213-pounder has had some terrific workouts, running in the 4.45 range and showing a 46-inch vertical jump. He would he a big help for a Packers secondary that was weak at times last year. Interesting note: Sensabaugh played only one year at North Carolina after starting for three seasons at East Tennessee State before the school dropped its football program.

59. Atlanta Falcons: Josh Bullocks (jr.), Nebraska
Intercepted 10 passes as a sophomore but only two last season. Still, Bullocks has all the physical skills you could ask for and a good nose for the ball.

60. Indianapolis Colts: Barrett Ruud, LB, Nebraska
His speed and athletic ability made him Nebraska's all-time leading tackler. Ruud would help the Colts shore up a defense that has been their undoing in recent years.

61. San Diego Chargers: Reggie Brown, WR, Georgia
Had a great Senior Bowl week that prompted many to consider him a possible late-first or early-second-round pick, but this looks like a good fit with the Chargers trying to give quarterback Drew Brees more weapons.

62. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brandon Browner (3rd-so.), CB, Oregon State
Has terrific size at 6-3½, 221, but a lack of speed combined with a so-so season at Oregon State have him dropping down the board. Browner could eventually end up in the third or fourth round.

63. Philadelphia Eagles: J.J. Arrington, RB, California
A back in the mold of current Eagle Brian Westbrook. Arrington can catch the ball and is an underrated runner who led the nation in total rushing yards while showing breakaway speed.

64. New England Patriots: Alfred Fincher, LB, New England
One of the most productive linebackers in the nation, Fincher led the Big East with 140 total tackles last season and has good size and toughness. The Patriots need to get younger at linebacker and Fincher would be an ideal fit.
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NeverFadeAway said:
Nugent to the Jets in the first round, thats what I think is going to happen
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I hope not ... Nugent would get boo'ed, and he deserves better. The J-E-T-S (Jets Jets Jets) fans that swarm the draft would boo Jesus Christ if he were the first round pick.
 
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Couple errors:

  • He hit 24 of 27 field goals last season and 65 of 74 the past three.
  • He nailed a school-record 17 at home without a miss.
  • He landed a 55-yarder.
  • He set 19 school records.
  • He was the team captain. Think about that: A placekicker was the captain of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Nugent's teammates thought so much of the guy they voted him their MVP last season -- the first time in school history that happened.
Click to expand...

Nugent kicked two 55-yarders this past season.

Nugent is not the first kicker to be team MVP.
 
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