Who will kick for Ravens after Justin Tucker launch?

OWINGS MILLS, Md.– After weeks of exercising twists around the nation, Baltimore Ravens elderly unique groups trainer Randy Brown had a precise message for the group heading right into the draft.

Brown informed basic supervisor Eric DeCosta, “There’s one guy that I really covet.”

The Ravens desired Arizona’s Tyler Loop a lot that they made him the initial twist prepared in the franchise business’s 30-year background. On April 26, Baltimore utilized a sixth-round badger Loop, that all of a sudden locates himself associated with the largest concern dealing with the group: Will Loop change Justin Tucker as Baltimore’s twist?

Drafting Loop was the initial indicator that the group was thinking of life without the NFL’s the majority of precise twist. The Ravens launched Tucker, that is being examined by the organization for sex-related misbehavior, on Monday.

“Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult, and this is one of those instances,” DeCosta claimed in a declaration. “Considering our current roster, we have made the tough decision to release Justin Tucker. Justin created many significant and unforgettable moments in Ravens history. His reliability, focus, drive, resilience and extraordinary talent made him one of the league’s best kickers for over a decade. We are grateful for Justin’s many contributions while playing for the Ravens. We sincerely wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter of their lives.”

The Ravens had actually formerly prepared 4 professionals in their background– 3 punters and one long-snapper– and all won their tasks as newbies. Loop’s solid leg and regular swing divided him from the various other university potential customers and made him the leading prospect to come to be Tucker’s possible follower. It really did not matter that Loop’s basket percent decreased in all 4 years atArizona When the Ravens placed on tape of Loop kicking, every effort looked the exact same.

“He’s one of these guys [who is] a kicking nerd, and you like to see that,” Ravens trainer John Harbaugh claimed. “He’s really into every detail and technique, and he studied Justin a lot and a lot of other guys, too.”

The Ravens’ newbie minicamp last weekend break noted the very first time when most group authorities fulfilled Loop and saw him begin individual.

“We will get a chance to see his leg, and that will help us address what our decision-making is going to be moving forward,” DeCosta claimed prior to minicamp.

Harbaugh claimed Loop provided a solid impression Sunday at newbie minicamp, where he saw Loop begin individual for the very first time.

“It was good to see it,” Harbaugh claimed. “I think as much as anything, it’s good to hear a kicker, and the way the ball comes off his foot is impressive.”

Loop can not count the variety of times he consulted with the Ravens throughout the predraft procedure, however it sufficed to allow him recognize that Baltimore was most definitely interested. He consulted with a precursor at the Hula Bowl in January and afterwards talked to Brown throughout the professional exercise at the NFL looking integrate inFebruary Loop likewise had a personal exercise with Brown in Arizona.

The minute when Loop seemed like he was mosting likely to Baltimore sought the New England Patriots utilized a sixth-round badger Andres Borregales, that was the initial twist prepared this year. Four options later on, the Ravens telephoned Loop to notify him that he was mosting likely to be theNo 186 choice.

“Oh dude, total elation getting the call,” Loop claimed. “I saw the area code come across my phone. I was like, ‘Let’s go. I’m going to Baltimore.'”

When NFL groups prepare twists, it’s normally with the intent of them playing promptly. Of the 19 twists taken control of the previous 10 drafts, 14 of them were their corresponding group’s full time twist as a newbie. The last twist that was prepared and really did not bet that group in his initial period was Justin Rohrwasser, that was picked in the 5th round by New England in 2020 and reduced prior to the begin of the routine period.

However, none of those draft choices needed to change a twist like Tucker, that holds the NFL marks for finest occupation basket percent (89.1%) and lengthiest basket (66 lawns). Tucker completed the 2024 period with a career-low 73.3% basket percent.

Asked just how much stress he would certainly really feel to adhere to in Tucker’s footprints, Loop claimed, “I think it’s really exciting more than pressure, just because it gives you something to shoot for, right?”

Loop has actually managed difficulties throughout his university occupation. He has actually had 3 various unique groups trains. He likewise had problems with breaks and holds, which is a huge factor his success price went from 100% as a fresher (12-of-12) to 78.3% in his last period (18-of-23).

Last period, Loop revealed his leg stamina with a 62-yard basket. He after that strengthened himself as ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.’s leading twist at the NFL integrate, where he struck 13 of 14 basket efforts (93.3%) and completed by making a 60-yarder.

“I’d say the one thing that I hang my hat on is being a student of craft,” Loop claimed. “There are days where you’re not in a groove, and if you’re not feeling it, you can always fall back on your mechanics to be successful and make kicks.”

When the Ravens were choosing taking a twist, they might have selected Florida State’s Ryan Fitzgerald, that led university football in basket percent by making all 13 efforts, or Pittsburgh’s Ben Sauls, that kicked at the Steelers’ home arena and learns about playing in the AFC North weather.

Instead, Baltimore opted for Loop, that is viewed as having one of the most possible.

“Randy believes in you,” Harbaugh informed Loop on the phone after the Ravens prepared him. “He showed me the tape. You’re going to have an awesome career.”

Editor’s note: A variation of this tale was initially released on May 2.