The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy gives his top five kickers, punters and returners in this year’s NFL draft, based on evaluations and conversations with people around the league:
Kicker
1. Trey Smack, Florida, 6-1, 188
Drilled 10 of 13 field goals from 50-plus yards in his career, then added 57-yarder at the East-West Shrine Game and a 60-yarder at the NFL Combine after he was “iced.” Three-miss game in Week 1 of 2025. 46 touchbacks on 60 kickoffs.
2. Drew Stevens, Iowa, 6-1, 213
Set school field goal records for most in a career (76), longest (58 yards) and most 50-plus-yarders (12). Four career game-winning kicks to break ties. Five career blocked kicks when he doesn’t get necessary lift. Not afraid to make a tackle.
3. Dominic Zvada, Michigan, 6-3, 178
Arkansas State transfer can be boom or bust. Converted 84 percent of career 50-plus-yarders (including 7-for-7 in 2024) but made less than 80 percent from inside 40 yards in 2023. Limited kickoff experience. Is his memory short enough to shake off a miss?
4. Kansei Matsuzawa, Hawaii, 6-2, 200
The “Tokyo Toe” taught himself football kicking through YouTube videos and went from junior college to Hawaii walk-on. Tied FBS record with 25 consecutive made field goals to start a season in 2025. Finalist for Lou Groza award (top NCAA kicker).
5. Will Ferrin, BYU, 6-3, 175
BYU’s all-time leading scorer finished career with 120 consecutive made PATs and added 25 straight made field goals (including a school-record 56-yarder) as a redshirt senior. Repeatable mechanics displayed at Senior Bowl. Served missionary service in Vancouver.
Punters
1. Brett Thorson, Georgia, 6-1, 237
Ray Guy Award winner (top NCAA punter). Flips the field with leg strength (15 punts traveled 50-plus yards, including five 60-yarders, in 2025). Also situationally skilled at pooch, coffin corner and hang-time punts. Torn ACL in 2024.
2. Jack Stonehouse, Syracuse, 6-2, 211
Magic number: 58. That’s how many of his 198 career punts traveled 50-plus yards and also how many were downed inside the 20-yard line after his deadening spin. Only 18 were touchbacks. Not a booming leg. Hang-time reliant.
3. Ryan Eckley, Michigan State, 6-1, 200
Big Ten’s career leader with 47.6 yards per punt. Former high school quarterback and three-sport athlete. Catches the ball cleanly on kicks and snaps (holder). Had a 74-yard punt at Senior Bowl. Gives up too many returns by outkicking coverage.
4. Tommy Doman Jr., Florida, 6-4, 214
Punter, holder and kickoff specialist who can attempt a field goal in a pinch. Forces fair catches on punts with hang time. Needs better touch. Experienced in factoring in wind to his advantage at Michigan.
5. Cole Maynard, Western Kentucky, 6-1, 180
First consensus All-American since the program joined FBS in 2009. Son of former NFL Giants punter Brad Maynard. Needs to show more consistency. Led nation in punting average (48.7 yards) over 51 attempts.
Returners
1. WR Kaden Wetjen, Iowa, 5-9, 193
Arguably best returner prospect in years. Six career return touchdowns (four punts, two kickoffs). Frequently makes first man miss. Set FBS single-season record with 26.8 yards per punt return (21 attempts). Scored touchdowns four ways (rushing and receiving, too). Fights for extra yardage.
2. WR Barion Brown, LSU, 5-11, 177
SEC record six career kickoff return touchdowns (five in three years at Kentucky). Averaged 29.4 career yards per kickoff return (65 attempts) and 7.7 yards on 10 punt returns. Also led LSU in receptions (53) and yards (532). High school state champion track sprinter.
3. WR Caullin Lacy, Louisville, 5-9, 183
A dual-threat returner who averaged 20.9 yards per kickoff return and 18.2 yards per punt return with two touchdowns in 2025. Screams through the holes like a former stud high school running back. Redshirted in 2024 after collarbone surgery.
4. RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame, 5-11, 203
No. 2 running back in the class separates from pack with kickoff return ability. Averaged 36.1 yards and scored three touchdowns on 22 career returns, including two 100-plus-yarders. Rather than transfer, found a way to make an impact behind RB Jeremiyah Love.
5. WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M, 6-0, 196
Hornung Award winner (college football’s most versatile player) whose first-round receiving ability is supplemented by 25 punt returns for 456 yards (18.2 average) and two touchdowns in the SEC. Reaches top gear quickly and is a nightmare to tackle in open space.