Allen Park – The landscape of the Detroit Lions' kicking competition shifted drastically Friday morning when coach Dan Campbell announced veteran Michael Badgley suffered a significant injury a day earlier and will miss the 2024 season.
The most important position that doesn't matter except when it does. It's a different problem when you're more comfortable outside of 45+ than when you can't rely on someone beyond 45. I'd look to sign Jason Hanson as a coach and set aside a roster/practice squad spot or 2 specifically to develop a young kicker with overall skills who can be ready within a year. I think it's the one spot teams don't spend enough time for development because you're going with one guy regardless. You're not keeping 2 kickers and the only competition is during the offseason. A practice squad spot for a development would keep that competition going all season.
I am not as convinced as others are in Jake Bates. He will have to show he can be reliable inside of 45 yards. Having the leg to go deep is great but he won't make the team if he can't be counted on to make the shorter kicks.
The tape is limited. He'll have to prove himself as anyone else. It's a great story, and he's off to a good start, but competition is necessary, in my opinion. If he wins the job, he wins the job.
The most important position that doesn't matter except when it does. It's a different problem when you're more comfortable outside of 45+ than when you can't rely on someone beyond 45. I'd look to sign Jason Hanson as a coach and set aside a roster/practice squad spot or 2 specifically to develop a young kicker with overall skills who can be ready within a year. I think it's the one spot teams don't spend enough time for development because you're going with one guy regardless. You're not keeping 2 kickers and the only competition is during the offseason. A practice squad spot for a development would keep that competition going all season.
Bates could be Brandon Aubrey. Or he could be Benny Ricardo. PK feels like a complete crapshoot of a position.
Probably bring back the undrafted kid?
Riley Patterson loading….
Currently in Jacksonville, but if he gets cut, not the unlikeliest possibility.
The dream (??) is dead
Bump
I am not as convinced as others are in Jake Bates. He will have to show he can be reliable inside of 45 yards. Having the leg to go deep is great but he won't make the team if he can't be counted on to make the shorter kicks.
The tape is limited. He'll have to prove himself as anyone else. It's a great story, and he's off to a good start, but competition is necessary, in my opinion. If he wins the job, he wins the job.