2023 NFL Draft position preview: Kickers, punters to watch for in late rounds of NFL Draft
Rutgers punter Adam Korsak and Missouri kicker Harrison Mevis will headline the specialists in this year's draft class.
Typically reserved for the third day of the draft, keep an eye out for one of those players to be the first one taken.
It's always interesting to see where players fall and how many undrafted free-agents will be scooped up as soon as the three-day affair is officially over.
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Top-five specialists
Harrison Mevis, Missouri, 5-11, 254, projected for fifth round or later
Jake Moody, Michigan, 6-1, 210, projected for fifth round or later
Christopher Dunn, NC State, 5-8, 179, projected for fifth round or later
Tory Taylor, Iowa, 6-4, 230, projected for fifth round or later
Adam Korsak, Rutgers, 6-2, 185, projected for fifth round or later
The Jaguars and the AFC South
The Jaguars should be okay on specialists for this draft. Punter Logan Cooke is one of the best players at his position. Riley Patterson netted some clutch field goals in the back half of the season, including the game-winner against the Chargers in the playoffs.
The Titans are in need of a punter and the Colts found themselves on a kicking carousel last season after cutting Rodrigo Blankenship. Don't be surprised if the AFC South is a landing ground for some of these prospects.
Who makes a first-round move?
No one will be making a first-round move for a specialist but between Mevis or Korsak, one of those players will likely be the first specialist off the board.
In the 2022 Draft, only one kicker and four punters were chosen. Cade York, the only listed kicker drafted, went in the fourth round at No. 124. Jordan Stout was the first punter taken at No. 130 in the fourth round.
Sebastian Janikowski was the last kicker to be taken in the first round way back in 2000.
Tomorrow: Interior offensive lineman
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: 2023 NFL Draft position preview: Kickers, punters usually Day 3 options
