Survivor I - Jeff Wilkins Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Positives - Jeff Wilkins has been the top kicker in the NFL 2 of the past 4 seasons. He is capable of kicking 50+ yard field goals making 4 out of 5 last year. He benefits from the Rams high scoring offense and hasn’t missed an extra point since 1998. Wilkins should receive more opportunities this season resulting from the expected improvement of the Rams offense including Steven Jackson taking over as the starting RB, and the continued growth of the young receivers on the roster. Wilkins has every chance to return to prominence this season as one of the elite kickers in the NFL.

Negatives - Wilkins can be one of the most inconsistent kickers in the league. While he finished as the top kicker 2 of the past 4 seasons, the other 2 years he finished 22nd and 24th (last season). The Mike Martz offensive philosophy can often lead to reduced field goal opportunities as Martz would rather attempt a 30 yard touchdown pass with a big lead in the 4th quarter than to run the clock down via the running game and settle for the field goal.

Draft Strategy - In the 19th round, as the 8th kicker drafted, I felt that Wilkins was the best choice. He is capable of big games and is part of one of the top offenses in the NFL. The Rams also play in a dome taking away any negative weather effects on the kicking game. I would prefer not to take a kicker at all, but I’d rather take one with upside here than select from the scraps at the end of the draft.