The conclusion of the NFL season means teams are officially in draft mode. The Packers have plenty of needs at skill positions, but they may need to invest in special teams through the draft as well. San Diego State Punter Matt Araiza could be a one-man fix for a struggling unit.
Who is Matt Araiza?
Matt Araiza is San Diego State’s record-setting punter. However, what makes Araiza special is that he also kicks field goals and does kickoffs. The Packers in 2021 saw Mason Crosby struggle and it may have been the end of his Packers career. Corey Bojorquez has also shown inconsistency. After the horrendous playoff performance, the Packers could be looking for change at both punter and kicker. Although it’s unconventional in the NFL, Araiza could fill both needs.
2021 Stats
- 79 Punts
- 51.2 Y/P
- 86 Yard Long Punt
- 18/28 Field Goals
- 15/19 Field Goals Inside 50 Yards
- 3/9 Field Goals 50+ Yards
- 53 Yard Long Field Goal
- 45/45 XP
How Does Araiza Help The Packers
Araiza’s punting game is exactly what the Packers need. Even with the hiring of Rich Bisaccia, the Packers’ special teams can’t expect to immediately cover punts perfectly. Araiza has the ability to place the ball and even blast it over the returner consistently. Just giving up a touchback every time would be an improvement from last season. Araiza has that ability.
The one part of his game that needs a little improvement is kicking. He was 18 for 28 in 2021 but did not miss an extra point. The extra point in college is closer, but he was 12 for 13 from inside the 40. The Packers have some cap decisions coming up and Mason Crosby could end up leaving Green Bay. Araiza could fill two positions of need and could be a core piece in Rich Bisaccia’s special teams unit.
As Always
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