2021 NFL Draft kicker rankings: Evan McPherson is this year’s top kicker

While you will rarely hear anyone talk about kickers in the 2021 NFL Draft, a good player at this position can make all the difference in the world. Last year the average margin of victory in the NFL was just four points and we have seen seven Super Bowls been decided by three points or less. This year’s class of kickers is a strong group overall with three players earning draftable grades which would tie for the most players we have seen drafted at this position since 2012.

1. Evan McPherson, Florida
5-foot-11, 185 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Sixth round

Florida’s Evan McPherson is widely regarded as the top kicker in the 2021 NFL Draft. While he had a bit of a down year in 2020 making only 77% of his kicks which is a career-low he has the talent to be one of the better kickers in the NFL. He has the leg strength to consistently boom 50-yard field goals having made five of them during his career. He also has the leg strength to kick off with 56% of his career kickoffs have gone for a touchback.

2. Alex Kessman, Pittsburgh
6-foot-2, 189 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Sixth round

Not very often is a kicker called a sleeper in the draft, but that may be the case with Alex Kessman of Pittsburgh. While he is receiving a free agent grade from most draftniks his talent is worth a draft pick. What stands out with Kressman is his leg strength. Over his career, he has made 12 of 18 field goals from over 50 yards including going four of five this past season. He also placed 63% of his kickoffs in the end zone for touchbacks this past season.

3. Jose Borregales, Miami
5-foot-11, 206 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Seventh round

2020 was a breakout season for Miami’s Jose Borregales. Over his first three seasons in college at FIU he never made over 84% of his field goals, but this past season he made 91% of his kicks. He also made 9 of 11 kicks from over 40 yards. The biggest concern with him though is the low trajectory he gets on his kicks, and if this is not fixed it could lead to him getting his kicks blocked in the NFL.

Players with free agent grades

4. Riley Patterson, Memphis
5. Blake Haubeil, Ohio State
6. Keith Duncan, Iowa