Titans roster move creates new NFL Draft possibility
While none of the Tennessee Titans' recent roster moves were unexpected, the team parting ways with veteran kicker Randy Bullock now creates new possibilities in the upcoming NFL Draft. Bullock, 33, had been with the Titans for two seasons (2021-2022) prior to his release and was re-signed by the team on a two-year, $4.68 million […]
While none of the Tennessee Titans' recent roster moves were unexpected, the team parting ways with veteran kicker Randy Bullock now creates new possibilities in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Bullock, 33, had been with the Titans for two seasons (2021-2022) prior to his release and was re-signed by the team on a two-year, $4.68 million deal in April of last year. With one year remaining on that contract, Tennessee let Bullock go on Wednesday, releasing him in a series of transactions.
While Bullock hit 43 of his 51 field goal attempts in a Titans uniform (84.3 percent), he made only 66.7 percent of his kicks from 40 yards and beyond, and his lack of range really hurt the Titans in close games. Tennessee punted with the ball while across midfield 11 different times in 2022.
Bullock attempted just three field goals of 50+ yards in both of his seasons with the Titans combined. 24 NFL kickers attempted five or more 50+ yard kicks this season alone.
So who could the Titans go with as their next kicker?
Greg Joseph, Matt Gay, Brett Maher, and Robbie Gould highlight the veterans in the upcoming free agent class. Caleb Shudak remains under contract with the Titans as an in-house option after starting one game in 2022. But the Titans could also now explore the possibility of selecting a kicker in the late rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Here's the list of collegiate kickers that were invited to the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis:
- Anders Carlson, K, Auburn
- Christopher Dunn, K, N.C. State
- Jake Moody, K, Michigan
- Jack Podlesny, K, Georgia
- B.T. Potter, K, Clemson
- Chad Ryland, K, Maryland
After five years with the Wolfpack, NC State's Christopher Dunn became the ACC's All-Time leading scorer during his breakout senior season, making 28 of his 29 kicks in 2022. Dunn also went 10 for 11 from 40+ and won the Lou Groza Award as the best collegiate kicker last season.
Then there's 2021 Groza Award winner Jake Moody, who followed up his award-winning year by leading all college kickers with 29 made field goals for the Michigan Wolverines in 2022. Moody's incredible leg strength was on display for all to see when he buried a 59-yard field goal attempt during the Fiesta Bowl against TCU in December.
While there are many roads the Titans could still go down, releasing Bullock this week now affords Tennessee an opportunity to grab a talent that has the big leg to steal points on stalled drives.
Don't be surprised if the Titans grab their next kicker in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Image via Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
