Top Kickers to Draft

I never thought I would publish a pre-season kickers list until yesterday. Throughout my fantasy football career I have never drafted a kicker due to how many there are compared to teams in your league. I would pick up and drop kickers week in and week out depending on their match-up. Now that the NFL has made an extra point a 33 yard attempt instead of 20, drafting a consistent kicker is needed so that you don't miss out on free points, especially in cold windy conditions. Below is my personal list of the top 12 kickers in the NFL that you should have on your team. Sit back, read and learn. 

Top 12 Kickers to Draft

1. Adam Vinatieri (Colts): Vinatieri has been one of the most consistent kickers since entering the NFL in 1996. His career kicking percentage is 83.7 percent and it seems that he gets better and better every year. Vinatieri is known for kicking the game winner in the Super Bowl for the New England Patriots. He dominated this position playing in harsh winter weather in New England and now plays for the Colts. I have him at number one due to his consistency and playing inside a closed stadium for 9 out of 16 games. Look for Vinatieri to not be affected by the new extra point rule and get plenty of opportunities due to the Colts high power offense. 

2. Steven Hauschka (Seahawks): Hauschka plays for one of the best offenses in the league. This team not only is consistent at getting the ball down the field, but they get the ball back quick due to their dominant defense. Hauschka has been extremely consistent since he entered the NFL and has kicked for 85.4 percent in his career. Despite playing in an outdoor stadium, he has impressed us time after time. With Jimmy Graham joining this team, look for Hauschka to get more kicks this year than he has throughout his career.

3. Matt Prater (Lions): Prater has the best leg in the league when it comes to depth. 2 seasons ago with the Broncos, Prater tied the NFL longest field goal made at 63 yards. That same season he kicked for 96.2 percent, which is the best I have seen. He has plenty left in the tank after that and is now playing for the Lions. I like Prater due to him playing under a closed roof at home and 11 out of 16 games this season.

4. Mason Crosby (Packers): Why not Crosby? He has Aaron Rodgers on his side. The packers are one of the most consistent offenses in the league and get the ball down field better than most teams. With his career percentage being at 79.1, I see him hitting around 82 percent of his kicks, but getting more opportunities than most kickers will this season. 

5. Connor Barth (Broncos): Connor Barth has kicked for 85.3 percent in his career and over 90 percent 2 out of the past 3 seasons. You don't see a kicker kick over 90 percent that often and doing it 2 out of 3 seasons is insane. I don't care if he is playing inside or out, he is a must draft this season. The reason he is at number 5 is because I don't think Denver will move the ball as well as they did in the past. If you want someone that will make 90 plus percent of his attempts, grab Barth. 

Just Outside the Top 5

6. Dan Bailey (Cowboys)

7. Matt Bryant (Falcons)

8. Shaun Suisham (Steelers)

The Rest

9. Stephen Gostkowski (Patriots)

10. Cody Parkey (Eagles)

11. Justin Tucker (Ravens)

12. Randy Bullock (Texans)

I hope this list opens your eyes and helps your research. Remember, don't ever draft a kicker too early or it will haunt your bench depth. 

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