Matt Araiza is one of the only players in the 2022 NFL Draft who can make an immediate impact. 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. Matt Araiza Archives - NFL Draft Countdown C.J. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. No punter has been selected in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft since 1995. #Bills #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/EA1iEWkdyA. 2022 NFL Draft: How 'Punt God' Matt Araiza prepares to be a pro 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. Despite those struggles. They ignored us, [when] I warned them [what] would happen could be avoided if they just kept their heads in the sand. Since 2000, just two draft classes (2017 and 2011) have not had a punter selected to the NFL. Former Bills punter Matt Araiza signs to play in Mexico If this was 2005, Strong would be in play to be the first name called. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Consistency. Consistent ball striking, hang time, and placement are key factors in punter evaluation. Versatility is next to ability or something of that nature. | 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! Can he shuffle his size-18 feet quickly enough to keep up with Von Miller off the edge? San Diego State's Matt Araiza headlines a potentially historic 2022 NFL Draft class with at least three punters picked in our projections. An all-around special teams contributor, the 2021 unanimous All-American had kickoff duties for San Diego State. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Araiza was selected by the Bills in the sixth round (180th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. At least three punters will be selected in the 2022 NFL Draft that is the prediction. What Matt Araiza did in college football was revolutionary from a position where it's tough to disrupt how the game is played. 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 | How does Matt Araiza figure in calculus of 2022 NFL Draft? He converted all but one of his 97 career extra-point attempts, too. According to the Associated Press, executives from two different NFL teams became aware that Araiza had been involved in an incident in the lead-up to the draft, though they didnt know the extent of the allegations. Dicker The Kicker has a 46.3-yard career punting average and 75.9% career field-goal completion. With his cannon for a leg, positional versatility, and publicity few punters have ever attracted, Araiza has the potential to be selected significantly higher than most punters have in recent NFL Draft classes. Shakir, a fifth-round rookie in 2022, got off to a slow start in his career. SDSU Aztecs in the 2022 NFL Draft | East Village Times Cut (s): Eli Ankou, Prince Emili, Mike Love, Kingsley Jonathan, Brandin Bryant, Daniel Joseph, C.J. 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. Colorado States Ryan Stonehouse featured just behind Araiza this year, with an average of 50.9 yards per punt. 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. Meet Matt Araiza, San Diego State punter who could be among the highest Furthermore, Todd Sauerbrun, Rohn Stark, Johnny Evans, and Tom Skladany were all punters selected in the second round. Odds & lines subject to change. 901 As a matter of fact, he already seems to be fully embracing his new team. No punter has been selected in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft since 1995. His broad jump of 10 1 was better than many who are projected to be high draft selections, including Aidan Hutchinson, David Bell, Isaiah Spiller, Brian Robinson Jr., and Trey McBride. The following is a complete Matt Araiza NFL Draft profile, including stats, highlights and a mock projection. We've received your submission. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, at 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. What I was asked to do was different from a skill set (perspective) than maybe other players have. It can bail out a sloppy offensive possession by turning it into a healthy defensive position. Dallas Intends to Tag Pollard, Head of Pro Scouting, NFL Player Personnel Executive, One of the most exciting prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft is San Diego State Universitys Matt Araiza. https://t.co/mIr2tYt8LT. Despite Araiza's incredible 2021 season, he is not expected to be among the highest-drafted punters of all time. According to NYup.com, Moulds shared a video of Shakir working out with him. Thanks for contacting us. The LA Chargers have 11 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft and there is a chance that the team could draft San Diego State punter Matt Araiza. The Case for the Dolphins Drafting Matt Araiza (Or Any Punter) In this past season alone, Araiza had the following: I have not seen a punter with the sheer power that Araiza displays on a consistent basis. Increasing his punt average with every year, Stout earned an invite to the Senior Bowl, where he impressed in sometimes torrid conditions. I didnt know the positions or what roles they played. For whatever reason, punters have been a popular position to pick in this year's draft. NFL draft's top punter is Matt Araiza - Sports Illustrated Khalil Shakir working out with former Bills WR Eric Moulds Potential Chargers draft targets: Punter Matt Araiza has their 174) - 1. Of course, Ray Guys first-round selection in 1973 is an anomaly. Potential Chargers draft targets: Punter Matt Araiza has their Mock drafts will dance around the internet for the next two months they've already started and in a cozy 5th-Round spot nestled will be the name Matt Araiza because every team should want a glimpse of the field-position machete.. And if Araiza's draft stock remains at the 5th Round or lower . Team Contract Type Status Year Signed Yrs Total APY Guarantees 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. These primarily center around consistency. Additionally, Ray Guy was a first-round pick in 1973, with the award for punting success named after him. Matt Araiza is currently projected to be drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals at No. While Araiza has been electrifying college football this season, Georgia punter Jake Camarda should earn himself the nickname Mr. All this high school success mattered very little when it came to the recruiting process. Matt Araiza Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Could Matt Araiza be the next one? 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Matt Araiza. T Formation Conversation: Live from the NFL Combine. 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All Rights Reserved, accused of being involved in the gang rape of a 17-year-old, the Bills also ignored his warnings about Araiza, Josh Allen and girlfriend Brittany Williams kiss during offseason getaway, Bills GM provides Damar Hamlin update regarding potential comeback, Bills coordinator abruptly leaves team during critical time, The favorite to win NFLs Comeback Player of the Year may surprise you, Giants QB carted off after big hit by Jets lineman, Daniel Jones needs to see big picture in Giants negotiations, Red-hot Jon Rahm no match for wind-swept Bay Hill: 'F--king hard', The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast, The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, Amazin' But True: A NY Mets Baseball Podcast, Gangs All Here: A NY Jets Football Podcast, Tom Sandoval breaks silence on Ariana Madix split amid cheating claims, Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave. Consistency, then Penn State punter Jordan Stout should be called Mr. Packers Draft Prospect: Matt Araiza - wisportsheroics.com Personally, I would not draft a punter, regardless of how good he is, until the 7th-round the 6th-round at the earliest. Matt Araiza boots 90-yard punt (!! Meanwhile, Araiza saw some sophomore struggles, completing only 71% of his field goals and missing an extra point for the first time in his career. Four drafted punters are actually less rare than one might imagine. All this high school success mattered very little when it came to the recruiting process. 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. Talk about ineptitude.) 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. But how have other drafted punters panned out in the NFL? 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. Stout will likely end up replacing the longtime Ravens punter, who turns 40 in August. With the NFL Draft fast approaching, six former San Diego State players soon may learn their football fates. But there are questions about Davis viability at the NFL level. As for Araiza, the Bills could potentially be getting a steal with their selection of the player known as "Punt God.". Troy . Even then, the potential power lingering in his left leg remained lowkey. That said, it appears unlikely that Araiza will be a realistic target for them unless he somehow falls to Round 5. Moreover, his lack of blocked kicks demonstrates that Araiza consistently gets good elevation. Some draft projections have listed Araiza as a potential Day 2 selection, when rounds 2-3 will be conducted. Based on Over The Cap's projections, . Like clockwork. Among the players expected to hear his name is punter Matt Araiza out of San Diego State. Chase Daniel: Young's Height Is Non-Issue, Stroud: I Don't Want to Be Drafted By Bears, Smith-Njigba: Packers Looking at Receivers, Dave Wannstedt: Mike McCarthy's 'Run the Damn Ball' Comment Ill-Advised, Samari Rolle: Forbes Worthy of Comp to Me, Friday's DB Workout Displayed Clear No. 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. Together, they were unblockable. NFL MOCK DRAFT. Two NFL teams had Matt Araiza red flags before draft. Apr 22, 2022. The 22-year-old was expected to be the Bills' starting punter after playing well during the preseason. MattAraiza. The Buffalo Bills released rookie punter Matt Araiza on Saturday night. Should the LA Chargers draft punter Matt Araiza in the 2022 NFL Draft? Punter prospects in the NFL Draft are more commonplace than youd presume. Kenny Pickett College Football Highlights 2021, Aaron Rodgers is Using Leverage to Help Davante Adams, DEBUT Tom Brady, Joe Burrow and Josh Allen! Stroud Shares Praise for Justin Fields, Fields former OSU teammate and top draft prospect spoke highly of the Bears QB at a Combine media session, Trevis Gipson to particpate in NFL Career Tours. In 2020, he made 71.4%, and in 2021, hes down to 64.3%. Two NFL teams had Matt Araiza red flags before draft You must be logged in to post a comment They could trade out of the first round and gain a lot by doing so as other teams look to get back into that opening round for a faller. Pro Football Network, LLC. This season Araiza hasnt had a single kick punt or field goal blocked. 17 for the first round of the draft. Track the most effective teams on first down in the league, and youll notice they just so happen to be the most effective defenses. Redshirting his 2018 season, Araiza learned under San Diego State kicker John Barron II. He reportedly said, "Bills Mafia, there is no off-season.". An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Teams worried about Davis role on third down should instead be focused on how he can tip the scales in their favor on the most important down of all. I would rather draft depth at other positions, such as defensive back and linebacker, where the players can develop while contributing on special teams.. Yes, thats right Araiza truly flipped the field for the Aztecs, changing the line-of-scrimmage from their own 11-yard-line to the 3-yard-line of the Spartans. Of course, draft analysis, projections and rumors will be dominating the headlines until then. 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.. The biggest surprise is that college football's top punter, Matt Araiza, wasn't the first punter off the board this year. Bills rookie punter Matt Araiza, who has quickly risen to fame with a strong leg and a catchy nickname, faces a very serious off-field issue before his first NFL game.According to the Los Angeles . No wonder the "punt god" is generating NFL draft buzz. Araiza leads the punter predictions for this 2022 NFL Draft. Matt Araiza is sued for gang rape - ProFootballTalk He also has the ability to make tackles, with speed and athleticism. NFL Draft Provile. His performances earned him an invitation to the Senior Bowl, where Jim Nagy had this to say about the 2022 NFL Draft prospect: Had calls with some of [the] top kicking gurus and overwhelming opinion is Georgias Jake Camarda is among best punting prospects to come out in past 5-10 years. But why wasnt he on the field for Georgia on third down? a general manager told NBCs Peter King at the combine. Araizas game against UNLV gave the football world its first glimpse of him as a punter, nailing 4 of 5 punts over 50 yards. That might scare some people given the hype and eventual failures of Roberto Aguayo, but some team will still take a shot on him earlier than the average punter. I recognize that my train of thought may be different from the rest of the league. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. A team will take the bet that Faalele can, probably in the first round. Chicago Bears 2023 Free Agency Roundtable: Signing we dont want to see. WCGs Lead Draft Analyst shares brief anecdotes on each of his top performers from Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Combine. One theory on why he fell is because he's never held for extra point or field goals. The list of accomplishments is unreal. Hes unlikely to be the first defensive lineman off the board. NFL Draft Prospects in the 2021 Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl It is officially mock draft season! Talk about ineptitude.) Surely theres some NFL team that takes him earlier than you would expect. The number of seasons for each punter includes every season where at least half of a season was played. Bills' Christian Benford, Matt Araiza are roster locks. Do Isaiah One of the most exciting prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft is San Diego State University's Matt Araiza. I hope he is back in the NFL soon., Asked about the decision not to contact Gilleon, Bills GM Brandon Beane said in a press conference that Kathryn DAngelo, the teams attorney, heard what he had to say and thats when we began our process., Were not perfect. . He wound up at the same school as Odafe Oweh, a first-round pick for the Baltimore Ravens in last years draft. MKFs unique style and gameplay make betting fun and easy. The big-legged San Diego native is considered one of the best prospects at his position in years and many are eager to see where he lands. Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News, for example, projects Araiza to go 174th overall to the defending AFC champion Bengals. 2022 NFL Draft: Matt "Punt God" Araiza Scouting Report 1 CB, Paul Burmeister: Why Derek Carr Might Not Be QB to Win You a Championship, Tracker: Patriots Release QB Hoyer. The Buffalo Bills are going to have a tough decision to make. 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. Could Matt Araiza Be The Most Talented Punter Ever? - Mountain West Wire MORE:NFL Draft prospects 2022: Updated big board of top 150 players, rankings by position. Carson Strong has a great arm but teams will worry about his injury history. This is the most yards per punt a player has ever averaged in a single NCAA season, illustrating his sheer dominance. 147, a high fifth-round pick. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. He also set the FBS mark for 50-yard punts with his 33rd of the season. While Araiza had decent success in landing punts inside the 20 this season, he needs to demonstrate consistency in this regard. This wasnt just a one-off occurrence either. 12.0Matt Araiza, SDSU (48 Punts)Inside 20 63%Inside 10 27%Touchback 29%Avg. Currently, Matt Araiza is projected to go around the 5th or 6th round, but that could easily change as we get closer . Stout was slightly ahead of him at 44.5 while Camarda was well below both guys at 41.6. More important than the distance is Araizas unusual control of the ball, allowing him to pin opposing offenses deep in their own half rather than just booming the ball out the back of the endzone. Meanwhile, he averaged 41.7 yards on 120 punts that tallied over 5,000 yards. 2:39 pm ET, did he lead the nation in punting average, 2023 NFL free agent interior offensive linemen, NFL free agent offensive tackles: Sizing up 2023 market, Free agent WR market: Breaking down available talent, NFL 2023 free agency: Top TEs set to hit open market, NFL 2023 free agency: Top RBs set to hit open market, 'Punt God' Matt Araiza not first punter taken, NFL Combine: QB, WR, TE run 40s, compete in drills, Mock Draft: Panthers, Colts trade up for QBs, Rodgers' trade value, logistics, best fit, Pascal robbed at gunpoint, assaulted; WR 'doing fine', Bryce Young measures similar to former No. No other player this season has two 80+ yard punts. Despite his relatively low recruiting profile, there was a level of expectation around the program when the versatile kicking weapon was finally handed the opportunity to play for the Aztecs in 2019. When and how often will Davis play? For more 2022 NFL Draft coverage and player profiles, check out our NFL Draft page. Matt Araiza Overview. Many even called him the 'Punt God.' Araiza in 2021 booted 79 punts for 4,044 yards for an NCAA-record 51.18 yards per punt. In 35 games across three years at San Diego State, he punted 84 times for 4,293 yards a 51.1 yards-per-punt rate. The 21-year-old is a special teams star who won the 2021 Ray Guy Award, given to the best punter in college football. Before we produce the punting protagonists of this 2022 NFL Draft prediction, its worth discussing the place this class could hold in NFL history. 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. Even then, the potential power lingering in his left leg remained lowkey. 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. A two-star prospect, Araiza was the 20th-ranked kicker in the 2018 class. We've been studying the players for 11 months. 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. They also dont currently have a fourth-round pick, barring some wheeling and dealing on Draft Day. Before the 2022 NFL Draft, NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein projected Araiza to go in the third round. The Punt God is averaging far more yards per punt than Anger did his senior year. Matt Araiza, Daniel Bellinger and Cameron Thomas, though, have gotten the most buzz . That, combined with the more condensed splits in the NFL, makes a rugby-style delivery tough to impossible to pull off consistently. The first two punters went off the board in the fourth round with the Ravens selecting Jordan Stout and the Buccaneers taking Jake Camarda. 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Matt Araiza | Prime Time Sports Talk 2022 NFL Draft shocker: Bills land 'Punt God' Matt Araiza who Punters can be prolific athletes, too! The 21-year-old is a special teams star who won the. Zac Al-Khateeb is a content producer for The Sporting News. 2023 NFL Draft Top 25 Big Board: Young No. Brewer. Certainly, the conversation around Araiza as a potential Day 2 prospect fuels that narrative. He maintained composure in a penetrated backfield, and he was able to send the ball 65 yards through the air with ease. 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. ), wins college football weekend, deserves the Heisman . Not only has he shown his prowess as a punter, but Coach Maalouf adds he kicked off as well and was good at it. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. That isnt the case for Araiza, whose naturally quick delivery makes it easy for him to get the ball out and seriously flip field position for his team. You dont get the award that celebrates collegiate punting excellence without being exceptional. Yet, in San Diego State punter Matt Araiza, the 2022 NFL Draft class might possess the most high-profile and highly skilled . There have been multiple third-round selections, while FSU punter John Stark was a second-round choice in 1982. Araiza is set to be one of the highest-selected punters in recent NFL Draft history. After hitting an 86-yard punt against Hawaii, Araiza has become something of a social media starlet, earning the nickname Punt God.. Matt Araiza, San Diego State P | NFL Draft Scouting Report At the very least, remember the name Matt Araiza and the punt god designation following him. The WCG crew ran through several free agency questions in this roundtable, and today we gave our pick for the signings we want the Bears to avoid. Eric D. Williams goes to practice with Matt Araiza, who could be the first punter selected on Day 2 of a draft since 2012. . Among the players expected to hear his name is punter Matt Araiza out of San Diego State. That includes CBSSports.com, which lists Araiza as the 126th prospect in the draft. Araiza also boomed an 86-yard punt last season, which was the longest in college football. DATABASE. The victims lawyer, Dan Gilleon, said the Bills also ignored his warnings about Araiza in late July. As soon as the ball left Matt Araiza's foot, the competition between the rookie and Matt Haack was over.