As we look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves in a challenging position regarding their long-time kicker, Justin Tucker. A combination of on-field struggles and serious off-field allegations has led to speculation about his future, prompting the Ravens to consider their options for a potential successor.
Enter Ryan Fitzgerald, the standout kicker from Florida State, who is making his case as the ideal replacement for Tucker. Let’s break down why Fitzgerald is creating such buzz and how he could fit into the Ravens’ plans.
Justin Tucker’s Legacy
Justin Tucker has been a cornerstone of the Ravens’ success since he stepped onto the field in 2013. With an impressive career track record that includes a staggering 98.4% extra point success rate and an 88.6% field goal success rate, he has set the standard for kickers in the NFL. However, last season marked a departure from that standard; for the first time, he fell below an 80% success rate for field goals, finishing with only 75%. This decline, coupled with his age—turning 36 this season—and the recent allegations, underscores that the time may have come for Baltimore to look toward the future.
Fitzgerald’s Rising Stock
The Ravens’ interest in Ryan Fitzgerald is both timely and strategic. Over his career at Florida State, Fitzgerald has continually showcased his potential to thrive at the next level. He finished the 2023 and 2024 seasons with a perfect record on extra points and an impressive 91.7% on field goals. Perhaps most telling, Fitzgerald demonstrated remarkable range, converting all five of his attempts of 50 yards or longer in 2024.
Such consistency not only reflects his abilities but also the kind of composure needed to handle the pressure of kicking in the NFL. In Baltimore, where the kicking game is often decided by narrow margins, having a reliable option is paramount.
Why Fitzgerald Fits in Baltimore
The prospect of drafting Fitzgerald is further solidified by the Ravens’ unique position in the upcoming draft. With 11 picks available, Baltimore has the resources to make a move if they believe Fitzgerald is the answer to their kicking woes. Historically, the Ravens have yet to draft a kicker, but Fitzgerald presents a compelling case to break that trend.
The Ravens’ special teams coach, Randy Brown, has already begun working with Fitzgerald, having seen him succeed with a 60-yard field goal at the NFL Combine. This early engagement suggests that the Ravens are not just interested; they might be laying the groundwork for a future partnership with the promising kicker.
In conclusion, as the Ravens evaluate their roster and consider the transition away from Justin Tucker, Ryan Fitzgerald emerges as a worthy candidate to fill those big shoes. With his impressive statistics and proven consistency, he might just be the new face of the Ravens’ kicking game, leading the franchise into the next chapter. The decision to draft him could mark a pivotal moment for the organization as they seek to maintain their competitive edge in the league.
