So what kicker shall we draft?

Who are the prospects guys? And in what rounds should we target? I apologize fellow Zoners but I dont even know how to scout for a new kicker. Awww shucks.

I know there have been some gems that have come out these past couple years with some dead-on accuracy. f**k man, we need a kicker.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI9VfNQHo9s

Dustin Hopkins from Florida State is probably the best bet at K. He's an accurate kicker and the number one kicker in draft boards so I think San Francisco should give him a look. He would probably be available in the 6th round maybe 7th round but I see him getting drafted. I really hope they get this guy because after today and the way Akers has been playing it is apparent that a new, young and accurate kicker is needed. If he's available in 6th round then I think and hope the Niners bring him in.

dustin hopkins or graham from the texans

Best available right away. Young and strong leg and accurate and healthy. We may have to go a little earlier than we anticipated too. If a guy is projected 5th - 6th round be prepared to select him in the 4th round or 5th. Especially since we are drafting so late. A 4th to us is like a 5th since it is so late. Based on the disaster we saw unfold this year I can't believe anybody would even argue that a late 4th if necessary is legitimate for a reliable, steady, strong, young kicker. You have to get out in front of the other teams to land your guy. I'm not suggesting pulling a Raider and picking in the 1st round. Nobody that valuable this year. But slightly higher than expected is worth it as this is a complete team with tons of extra picks which needs a kicker desperately.

Bring in Carson Wiggs. He was Purdue's kicker last year. Has a cannon for a leg. Holds the top 5 all time FGs made at Purdue with a long of 59. He was in Seattle's training camp, but they decided to stick with the kicker they had last year. Seeing how successful Kai Forbath has been for the Redskins, shows there are good kickers still at home that we could bring in and be successful.

Here's video of him kicking during the Spring Game where he connected on a 67 yarder.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liVdlj1FxsI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Originally posted by Nick515:

Dustin Hopkins from Florida State is probably the best bet at K. He's an accurate kicker and the number one kicker in draft boards so I think San Francisco should give him a look. He would probably be available in the 6th round maybe 7th round but I see him getting drafted. I really hope they get this guy because after today and the way Akers has been playing it is apparent that a new, young and accurate kicker is needed. If he's available in 6th round then I think and hope the Niners bring him in.

He's worth an earlier pick if he's that good. Kickers are so crucial to winning games, I wouldn't be mad if we snatched him up earlier. If Akers would've had a better season we easily could've had 13 wins. Minnesota got a steal with Blair Walsh. He was well worth a 6th, IMO. I know late will critique taking a kicker in the 5th-6th, but we need an answer at the position and late round picks aren't likely to make the roster anyway.

The Rams were lucky to get Zerlein as well. That guy is going to be good too. Plus he just has a cool name... Young GZ

Originally posted by strickac:
He's worth an earlier pick if he's that good. Kickers are so crucial to winning games, I wouldn't be mad if we snatched him up earlier. If Akers would've had a better season we easily could've had 13 wins. Minnesota got a steal with Blair Walsh. He was well worth a 6th, IMO. I know late will critique taking a kicker in the 5th-6th, but we need an answer at the position and late round picks aren't likely to make the roster anyway.

The Rams were lucky to get Zerlein as well. That guy is going to be good too. Plus he just has a cool name... Young GZ

Actually his nickname is Legatron..

I think the Niners will go Kicker in the 4th or 5th and I am all for it if its Hopkins. Akers has cost us a chance at the end of 2 Division games.

Quinn Sharp Oklahoma State in the sixth. A three year starter who can also punt and has led the nation in touchbacks the last three years.

We have enough picks we can take whichever kicker we like the best, as early as we want. I have trust in Baalke on this one.

Originally posted by m_brockalexander:
Quinn Sharp Oklahoma State in the sixth. A three year starter who can also punt and has led the nation in touchbacks the last three years.

Strong leg but inaccurate as FG kicker from distance.

2012 attempts
Zero attempts from 0 - 19 yards

Made 11 of 11 from 20 - 29

Made 6 of 6 from 30 - 39

Made 2 of 5 from 40 - 49 yards

Made 2 of 5 from 50+ yards

FG % in 2011 = 88%
FG % in 2012 = 80%

Trending downward, not a good sign. Only 2 years of college kicking.

DO NOT WANT

Versus Hopkins

Made 1 of 1 from 0 - 19

Made 7 of 7 from 20 - 29

Made 5 of 6 from 30 - 39

Made 5 of 9 from 40 - 49 yards

Made 5 of 5 from 50+

FG % 2009 = 70%
FG % 2010 = 78%
FG % 2011 = 81%
FG % 2012 = 85%

Trending upward, 4 years of college experience

DO WANT

Originally posted by sfout:
Strong leg but inaccurate as FG kicker from distance.

2012 attempts
Zero attempts from 0 - 19 yards

Made 11 of 11 from 20 - 29

Made 6 of 6 from 30 - 39

Made 2 of 5 from 40 - 49 yards

Made 2 of 5 from 50+ yards

FG % in 2011 = 88%
FG % in 2012 = 80%

Trending downward, not a good sign. Only 2 years of college kicking.

DO NOT WANT

Versus Hopkins

Made 1 of 1 from 0 - 19

Made 7 of 7 from 20 - 29

Made 5 of 6 from 30 - 39

Made 5 of 9 from 40 - 49 yards

Made 5 of 5 from 50+

FG % 2009 = 70%
FG % 2010 = 78%
FG % 2011 = 81%
FG % 2012 = 85%

Trending upward, 4 years of college experience

DO WANT

The winds of Oklahoma can be pretty brutal. Does it get pretty breezy in Florida? (I honestly don't know)
Something to consider.

Originally posted by OKC49erFan:
The winds of Oklahoma can be pretty brutal. Does it get pretty breezy in Florida? (I honestly don't know)
Something to consider.

Just looked it up. AVERAGE wind speed their equal(6MPH), but Stillwater can be worse by about 6-8 mpg(typically maxes out at 21 MPH but can go to 28 MPH typically or "Strong breeze") versus Tallahassee(typically go to 14 MPH and rarely exceeds 20 MPH or "Fresh breeze").

LOL at these weather site by the way.

We certainly ave more than enough picks to get him.

Thanks Travisty13 - That Carson Wiggs guy seemed worth looking into.