TopFrog
Lifelong Frog
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/ap...of-being-taken/
[SIZE=14pt]Long snapper in rare position of being taken[/SIZE]
By Kevin Acee, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
About one-third of the long snappers in the NFL were drafted, some as players at different positions before making the move. The highest a true long snapper has been drafted was Ryan Pontbriand by Cleveland in the fifth round in 2003.
A consistent and effective snapper for punts and kicks is a precious commodity. But rare is the snapper that teams deem worthy of a draft pick. Most sign on as undrafted free agents.
Clint Gresham might be one of the rare ones. The Texas Christian snapper is being talked about as one of the best to come out of college in a decade.
And in a class without a surefire kicker or punter that is expected to break the top four rounds, Gresham is the most intriguing special teams player to watch for in this week's draft — if not until late Saturday morning.
If he had a bad snap in college, no one remembers it. He has in practice hit the crossbar from 30 yards as well as other targets, including receivers running routes and a Barbie doll.
"He really gets the ball back there with velocity and accuracy," draft analyst Gil Brandt told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "He'll probably be about a 12-year player in the NFL."
If Gresham makes a roster come September, he would be the second straight TCU long snapper to do so. Jared Retkofsky has played the past two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers after signing as an undrafted free agent.
[SIZE=12pt]TOP PROSPECTS[/SIZE]
Place-kickers
Leigh Tiffin, Alabama | 6-1, 210: Most prolific kicker in Crimson Tide history but has never had to make a pressure kick. Could go as early as the fourth round but also could last until the seventh.
Aaron Pettrey, Ohio State | 6-1, 202: Suffered torn MCL making a block but returned for the Rose Bowl, where he made a 45-yarder. A late-round pick with a big leg and good potential.
Garrett Lindholm, Tarleton State | 5-8, 185: He impressed at North Texas' Pro Day, making a number of long kicks. He made an NCAA playoff-record 64-yarder in the opening round of the Division II playoffs. Could sneak into the draft.
Punters
Zoltan Mesko, Michigan | 6-5, 240: Has trouble with directional kicking, but leg strength and touch inside the 20 will likely get him drafted.
Brent Bowden, Virginia Tech | 6-3, 202: Placed 72 punts inside 20-yard line over three seasons. Improved hang time as senior. Could get drafted as project or be a priority free agent.
Long snapper
Clint Gresham, TCU | 6-3, 236: Was the only long snapper invited to the Combine. Strong and consistent, and a good tackler. Could actually get drafted.
This is the last in a series of stories about the best players at every position leading up to the NFL draft Thursday.
[SIZE=14pt]Long snapper in rare position of being taken[/SIZE]
By Kevin Acee, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
About one-third of the long snappers in the NFL were drafted, some as players at different positions before making the move. The highest a true long snapper has been drafted was Ryan Pontbriand by Cleveland in the fifth round in 2003.
A consistent and effective snapper for punts and kicks is a precious commodity. But rare is the snapper that teams deem worthy of a draft pick. Most sign on as undrafted free agents.
Clint Gresham might be one of the rare ones. The Texas Christian snapper is being talked about as one of the best to come out of college in a decade.
And in a class without a surefire kicker or punter that is expected to break the top four rounds, Gresham is the most intriguing special teams player to watch for in this week's draft — if not until late Saturday morning.
If he had a bad snap in college, no one remembers it. He has in practice hit the crossbar from 30 yards as well as other targets, including receivers running routes and a Barbie doll.
"He really gets the ball back there with velocity and accuracy," draft analyst Gil Brandt told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "He'll probably be about a 12-year player in the NFL."
If Gresham makes a roster come September, he would be the second straight TCU long snapper to do so. Jared Retkofsky has played the past two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers after signing as an undrafted free agent.
[SIZE=12pt]TOP PROSPECTS[/SIZE]
Place-kickers
Leigh Tiffin, Alabama | 6-1, 210: Most prolific kicker in Crimson Tide history but has never had to make a pressure kick. Could go as early as the fourth round but also could last until the seventh.
Aaron Pettrey, Ohio State | 6-1, 202: Suffered torn MCL making a block but returned for the Rose Bowl, where he made a 45-yarder. A late-round pick with a big leg and good potential.
Garrett Lindholm, Tarleton State | 5-8, 185: He impressed at North Texas' Pro Day, making a number of long kicks. He made an NCAA playoff-record 64-yarder in the opening round of the Division II playoffs. Could sneak into the draft.
Punters
Zoltan Mesko, Michigan | 6-5, 240: Has trouble with directional kicking, but leg strength and touch inside the 20 will likely get him drafted.
Brent Bowden, Virginia Tech | 6-3, 202: Placed 72 punts inside 20-yard line over three seasons. Improved hang time as senior. Could get drafted as project or be a priority free agent.
Long snapper
Clint Gresham, TCU | 6-3, 236: Was the only long snapper invited to the Combine. Strong and consistent, and a good tackler. Could actually get drafted.
This is the last in a series of stories about the best players at every position leading up to the NFL draft Thursday.
