Teams this year have to wait to sign undrafted free agents so it makes sense to take a look at some that might interest the Jets. We will start with UCLA's kicker, Kai Forbath, a favorite of GGN member Nikolai C. The winner of the 2009 Lou Groza Award as the nation's best kicker, Forbath was probably this year's best kicker prospect not named Alex Henery.
Forbath left UCLA with a career percentage of 84.2 on field goal tries. At one point in his career, he made 40 consecutive kicks of 50 yards or shorter. He has a strong leg, however, displayed by 10 career made field goals of 50. He set an NCAA record with 31 multi field goal games and 12 with at least 3. His worst statistical season was his senior year, where he missed 5 kicks but was perfect inside 40 yards. In a game where he missed 2 of those 5, he hit a game winner from 51 yards.
Forbath only kicked off 7 times at UCLA and never recorded a touchback. While that is a bit disconcerting, the new rules will obviously help any kicker. I have always believed accuracy in a kicker is more important than kickoff ability. Accurate field goal kicking directly impacts the score. Kickoffs only affect field position, and Mike Westhoff's coverage schemes have covered for kickers with shaky distance off the tee before. Forbath's big leg is a sign his kickoffs can become an asset.
Considering how inconsistent Nick Folk was, the Jets should be in the market for somebody to at least challenge him in camp. Forbath is probably going to be a desired commodity, potentially able to pick a spot where he has a good chance to win a job. A specialist spot like kicker is one of the few areas where teams can definitely find a starter in undrafted free agency. I think the Jets should make an effort to sign him.
What do you think?