Ranking the top 15 specialists in 2023 NFL Draft
The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy gives his top-five punters, kickers and returners in this year’s NFL draft, based on evaluations and conversations with people around the league:
Punters
1. Adam Korsak, Rutgers, 6-1, 187 pounds
Ray Guy Award winner (nation’s top punter) set NCAA career records for punts and yards, and single-season record for net average (45.25). Rugby-style punter never had one blocked or returned for a touchdown. Streak of 150 straight without a touchback.
2. Bryce Baringer, Michigan State, 6-2, 216pounds
First-Team All-American’s career average (46 yards) ranks No. 6 in FBS history among 150-249 attempts. Ten games with one punt of at least 50 yards and eight with at least one downed inside the 10-yard line last season.
3. Michael Turk, Oklahoma, 6-0, 234 pounds
Went undrafted in 2020 but regained two years of NCAA eligibility against all odds. Averaged 47.4 yards — a shade off Colorado State’s Ryan Stonehouse’s record of 47.8 — on 176 career punts in the FBS. Good hang time but suspect directional aim.
4. Brad Robbins, Michigan, 6-0, 199 pounds
About one-third (61 of 179) of career punts were downed inside the 20-yard line. Uses hang time to force fair catches. Punted 43 times without a touchback last season by weaponizing the sidelines.
5. Paxton Brooks, Tennessee, 6-5, 201 pounds
Allowed 16 punt returns for 19 yards over last three seasons combined, per NFL.com. Career average of 42.3. Also handled kickoffs (50 percent touchbacks) for five seasons. Semifinalist for Campbell Trophy (the academic Heisman).
Kickers
1. Jake Moody, Michigan, 6-1, 209 pounds
Ten of 29 field goals made last season covered at least 40 yards. Career-long 59-yarder in final game (national semifinals) as opposite bookend to career-best six-field goals in NCAA debut. Two-time Lou Groza Award finalist (nation’s top kicker).
2. Chad Ryland, Maryland, 6-0, 190 pounds
Made 60 percent of his career 50-yard attempts, per NFL.com. Tied Big Ten record with 24 consecutive field goals in his one season after transferring from Eastern Michigan, where he is the career points leader (309).
3. B.T. Potter, Clemson, 6-0, 195 pounds
First player in ACC history with four 100-point seasons. Made 75 percent of career field goals and all but one of 235 PATs. Went 9-for-13 from 50-plus yards. His 344 career touchbacks are believed to be an NCAA record.
4. Christopher Dunn, North Carolina State, 5-8, 175 pounds
Converted 69 career field goals and was perfect on 170 career PATs. Streak of 19 straight field goals earlier in his career speaks to accuracy. Questions about whether his leg is strong enough for 50-yarders and kickoffs.
5. Jack Podlesny, Georgia, 6-0, 194 pounds
Converted 81 percent or better three straight years. Missed only two of 184 career PATs. Accuracy nosedives from deep, including 54 percent from 40-plus yards. Was clutch in 2021 playoffs but shaky one year later.
Returners
1. Derius Davis, TCU, 5-8, 165 pounds
Jet Award winner (most electrifying player) last season. Averaged 14.9 yards per return on punts and 20.4 on kickoffs. Scored on five of 44 career punt returns. Also covers kicks.
2. Charlie Jones, Purdue, 5-11, 175 pounds
Sleeper receiver who led FBS with 110 receptions as one-year transfer. Averaged 8.1 yards per return on punts and 21.3 yards on kickoffs (scoring once each way) at Iowa. 2021 Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year.
3. Malik Knowles, Kansas State, 6-2, 196 pounds
Nearly 4,000 all-purpose yards in college. Averaged 27.7 yards per kickoff return with three touchdowns on 61 attempts in his career. Underwent knee surgery (PCL) in February.
4. Jayden Reed, Michigan State, 5-10, 187 pounds
Hornung Award finalist (most versatile player) who contributed touchdowns four different ways (two punt returns) in his career. Averaged 22 yards per return on kickoffs and 13.6 on punts.
5. Tank Dell, Houston, 5-8, 165 pounds
Added punt returning to repertoire last season and returned one of 10 attempts for a touchdown — but also had two other return touchdowns called back because of penalty.
