Top 5 Kickers and Punters for the 2026 NFL Draft: Skills, Strengths & Sleepers
Ready to see which specialists will be booming punts and drilling field goals in the NFL next season? At Boardwalk Beasts Football Club, we know special teams can make or break games: just like how proper fundamentals can make or break a young player's development. Check out our football camps to build those championship-level skills from the ground up!
The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be loaded with special teams talent that could change the game for franchises looking to upgrade their kicking game. From thunderous punters who can flip field position to clutch kickers who never miss when it matters, this class has it all.
The Elite Punters: Leg Strength Meets Precision
1. Brett Thorson, Georgia Bulldogs
Thorson stands as the clear-cut top punter in this draft class, and for good reason. This 6'2", 235-pound fourth-year specialist brings a rare combination of power and precision that NFL scouts drool over.
His 2024 season numbers tell the whole story: 47.6 yards per punt average, 22 kicks pinned inside the 20-yard line, and an incredible 78.6% of his punts resulted in no return opportunities. That's pure dominance. When you can force fair catches on 33.3% of your punts while maintaining that kind of accuracy, you're dealing with elite-level talent.
What separates Thorson from the pack is his "cannon for a leg that you rarely see at the college level." He consistently delivers punts with both distance and hang time, giving coverage teams the edge they need to dominate field position battles.
2. Palmer Williams, Baylor Bears
Don't sleep on Williams just because he's second on this list. The 6'2", 200-pound third-year punter posted the best average in the entire group at 49.3 yards per punt in 2024. That's not a typo: he's out-punting everyone when it comes to pure distance.
Williams brings that perfect combination of leg strength and directional kicking ability. His 15 punts inside the 20-yard line prove he's not just bombing kicks downfield: he's placing them exactly where his team needs them. That 79-yard bomb he unleashed shows the kind of game-changing potential that makes NFL general managers pick up the phone on draft day.
3. Jack Stonehouse, Syracuse Orange
Experience matters in the NFL, and Stonehouse brings five years of college football wisdom to the table. Standing 6'1", 195 pounds, he might not be the biggest punter in this class, but consistency wins games.
His 45.7-yard average and 30.3% fair catch rate in 2024 demonstrate the kind of reliability NFL teams crave. When you're punting in December weather with playoff hopes on the line, you want someone who's been there before. Stonehouse fits that bill perfectly.
4. Aidan Laros, Kentucky Wildcats
Another fifth-year player who brings that veteran presence teams value. At 6'2", 210 pounds, Laros combines solid size with smart punting. His 31.3% fair catch rate and 45.4-yard average with consistent inside-the-20 placement show he understands how to win the field position game.
NFL teams love punters who think the game, not just kick the ball. Laros has proven he can adapt his approach based on game situations: exactly what you need on Sundays.
5. Ryan Eckley, Michigan State Spartans
Rounding out our top five punters, Eckley brings Big Ten toughness and a strong leg to the table. The 6'2", 210-pound fourth-year specialist averaged 47.9 yards per punt in 2024, showing the kind of power that translates well to the next level.
While his inside-the-20 numbers weren't as impressive as the other top prospects, his raw distance ability gives him the foundation to develop into a solid NFL punter with proper coaching.
The Clutch Kickers: Ice in Their Veins
1. Tate Sandell, Oklahoma Sooners
When the game's on the line and you need three points, Sandell is the guy you want lining up the kick. The top-ranked kicker in this class has built his reputation on delivering in pressure situations. Playing in the high-pressure environment of Oklahoma football, he's proven he can handle the spotlight.
What makes Sandell special isn't just his accuracy: it's his mental toughness. NFL teams know they're getting someone who won't fold when 70,000 fans are screaming and the season's on the line.
2. Dominic Zvada, Michigan Wolverines
Coming from the Big Ten championship culture at Michigan, Zvada understands what it takes to perform in big moments. His technique is textbook, and his consistency throughout college shows the kind of reliability NFL teams pay big money for.
Michigan's recent success in high-pressure games has given Zvada the perfect preparation for NFL-level pressure. When you've kicked in games that decide conference championships, regular season games feel like practice.
3. Peyton Woodring, Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia's special teams success speaks for itself, and Woodring has been a key part of that dominance. Playing alongside Brett Thorson gives NFL teams a proven special teams tandem they can trust.
Woodring's experience in the SEC: arguably the most competitive conference in college football: has prepared him for the physicality and pressure of the NFL. He's kicked in hostile road environments and delivered when his team needed it most.
4. Trey Smack, Florida Gators
Don't let the name fool you: Smack brings finesse along with power. His accuracy on field goals and extra points in the SEC proves he can handle the pressure of big-time college football.
Playing in Florida's high-pressure environment, especially in rivalry games against Georgia and Florida State, has given Smack the mental preparation he'll need for NFL success.
5. Will Ferrin, BYU Cougars
Ferrin rounds out our top five with a combination of accuracy and range that NFL scouts appreciate. Playing at altitude in Utah has helped him develop the leg strength that translates well to kicking in different weather conditions.
His consistency throughout his college career shows the kind of reliability that can extend NFL careers. Teams know what they're getting with Ferrin: a steady performer who won't lose games with missed kicks.
Sleeper Picks: Hidden Gems Worth Watching
Cole Maynard, Western Kentucky (Punter)
Don't overlook Maynard just because he's from a smaller school. His technique is solid, and his leg strength rivals anyone in this class. Sometimes the best NFL specialists come from programs where they had to do everything: and that versatility could make him a steal in the later rounds.
Kansei Matsuzawa (Kicker)
Listed in the "just missed" category, Matsuzawa represents exactly the kind of value pick that smart NFL teams love. If he continues his strong performance through the evaluation period, he could sneak into draft consideration and provide excellent value for a team willing to take a chance.
What This Means for NFL Teams
This special teams class offers something for every team's needs. Whether you're looking for a punter who can flip field position or a kicker who never misses when it counts, these prospects bring NFL-ready talent.
The depth at both positions means teams won't have to reach early in the draft to find quality specialists. That's great news for franchises that want to address special teams without sacrificing picks they could use on other positions.
Building Champions from the Ground Up
At Boardwalk Beasts Football Club, we understand that championship teams are built on solid fundamentals: including special teams. These 2026 prospects didn't just wake up with elite skills. They developed them through countless hours of practice, proper coaching, and competitive experience.
That's exactly what we provide for young athletes through our comprehensive football programs. Whether your young athlete dreams of being the next Brett Thorson or Tate Sandell, we have the coaching and competitive environment to help them reach their potential.
Ready to start building those championship-level skills? Visit us at Boardwalk Beasts Football Club or check out our camp schedules to get your athlete started on their path to greatness. The next great NFL specialist might be training with us right now!
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