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Photo of Sam Swank
Grade
?
  • 6'0" Height
  • 193LBS. Weight

Overview

Much was expected of Swank in 2008. He entered the year as arguably the nation's top long-distance kicking prospect, fresh off a junior campaign in which he was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award. A groin injury midway through the season robbed Swank of his power, limiting his effectiveness as a field goal kicker, kickoff specialist and punter. If he can prove he's over the groin injury, Swank's high trajectory and leg drive should make him one of the more highly regarded placekickers of the 2009 draft. Had an arm span of 31 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Legitimate NFL leg strength and has a history of making field goals from 50 yards and beyond, with a career long of 53. ... Quick to the ball as a field goal kicker and has a high ball trajectory. ... Has never had a field goal blocked. ... Experienced handling kickoff, placekicking and punting duties. ... At least adequate leg drive for kickoffs at the next level. ... Good height and hang-time. ... Good quickness from catch to kick as a punter. ... Good hang-time and directional punter. .. Can deaden the ball near the endzone. Negatives: May lack the pure leg strength to continue punting at next level. ... Leg strength has not translated into consistently deep punts. ... Relies more on hang-time and directional punts than booming kicks. ... Has to prove he is over the groin injury which caused his career field goal accuracy to drop from 79% from 2005-2007 to 64.7% in 2008.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.
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