Ravens Draft Arizona Kicker Tyler Loop as Potential Successor to Justin Tucker

 

Ravens Draft Arizona Kicker Tyler Loop as Potential Successor to Justin Tucker

Heading into the NFL Draft, senior special teams coach Randy Brown of the Baltimore Ravens had one clear message for general manager Eric DeCosta after weeks of scouting kickers around the nation: "There's one guy I want."

That player was Tyler Loop of Arizona, and the Ravens were so interested in him that they selected him as the first kicker in the team's 30-year history. When Baltimore acquired Loop on April 26 with a sixth-round pick, it immediately created one of the team's most pressing questions: Will Loop take Justin Tucker's position as the team's iconic kicker?

Justin Tucker Released Amid NFL Investigation

The Ravens made the shocking news that they have cut Justin Tucker, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, who is presently being investigated by the league for sexual misconduct, only days after selecting Loop.

"This is one of those times when football decisions are difficult," DeCosta said in a statement. "Justin has provided this organization with several moments that will never be forgotten. He was one of the best kickers in the league because of his talent, drive, and reliability. We appreciate everything he has done and hope the future holds the best for him and his family.

Why the Ravens Chose Loop Over Other Top Kickers

Tyler Loop is the first kicker Baltimore has ever selected in a draft, even though they have previously taken specialists like punters and long-snappers. Additionally, he is expected to start as a rookie, just like the specialists who came before him.

Loop was distinguished not only by his college statistics but also by his steady swing and powerful leg. When watching film, Ravens coaches believed his mechanics and accuracy were unrivaled, even though his field goal % decreased annually while he was at Arizona.

"You want him to be a kicking nerd," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh remarked. He researches every aspect of the job. He has studied numerous people, including Justin Tucker. His attitude to the craft demonstrates it.

Loop’s Long Road to Baltimore

Early in the draft, Loop started his path to becoming a Raven. He bonded with Randy Brown during specialized drills at the NFL Scouting Combine in February after initially meeting a Baltimore scout at the Hula Bowl in January. To further pique the Ravens' attention, he worked out privately with Brown in Arizona.

Loop had a rush of excitement when kicker Andres Borregales was selected by the New England Patriots with a sixth-round pick. Four picks later, a Baltimore area code rang on his phone.

Loop remembered, "Oh dude, I was so happy to get the call." "I simply thought, 'Let's go,' when I saw the number. I am traveling to Baltimore.

Loop Impresses in Rookie Minicamp

Strand kicked in person for the first time for the majority of the coaching staff during the Ravens' rookie minicamp, and he did not let them down. The sound of the ball exiting his foot was deemed "impressive" by James Harbaugh, and DeCosta stated that the performance would be taken into consideration when the team makes judgments in the future.

Loop accepted the challenge when he was urged to put himself in Tucker's position.

He declared, "I don't feel pressure." It seems exciting to me. It provides me with something to strive for.

College Struggles and Growth as a “Student of the Craft”

Loop had some setbacks during his time in college. In Arizona, he coped with erratic snaps and holds while working under three different special teams coaches. His field goal accuracy decreased from a perfect 12-for-12 in his freshman year to 78.3% in his final season (18-of-23), partly due to those problems.

Mel Kiper Jr., an ESPN draft expert, praised Loop as the best kicker in the class after he demonstrated his leg power with a 62-yard field goal last season and finished with 13 of 14 kicks, including a 60-yarder, at the NFL Combine.

Loop declared, "As a student of the craft, I hang my hat." "There are days when you don't have rhythm, but I rely on technique in those situations."

A Bold Move for the Future of Baltimore’s Special Teams

The Ravens have other excellent kickers to pick from, such as Ben Sauls of Pittsburgh, who has expertise in the harsh AFC North climate, and Ryan Fitzgerald of Florida State, who went a perfect 13-for-13 the previous season.

However, Loop was ultimately selected because of his long-term potential.

On draft day, Harbaugh told Loop, "Randy believes in you." He played the recording for me. You will have a fantastic career.

 

Following the release of the NFL's most accurate kicker due to a league inquiry, the Ravens selected Tyler Loop as a possible successor for Justin Tucker.