While most fans will focus on the offense and defense of their favorite NFL teams, special teams often goes unnoticed or underappreciated.
A good special teams unit can change the game either in the punt or kick-return phase or kicking field goals for points.
There are several teams in the league that could use more talent on their special teams because they’re routinely being put in bad field positions or leaving points on the board because of missed kicks.
For example, the Los Angeles Rams’ unit was ranked the worst in the league after they cycled through multiple kickers.
Meanwhile, the UFL season kicked off last week and some players are already popping up on NFL radars.
The most notable kicker in the UFL is Jake Bates, who nailed another field goal from beyond 60 yards that had fans buzzing, via Dov Kleiman.
WOW: HE DID IT AGAIN 62-YARD FG FOR BATES!
Will he be in the #NFL next season?pic.twitter.com/gsm81ZmU4n
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 7, 2024
The UFL can have stars too, they don’t all have to go to the NFL
— Alex Solver (@alexthesolver) April 7, 2024
At minimum he will be in someone’s NFL camp this summer
— Nelson (@BelgerNelson) April 7, 2024
Welcome to the NFL
— . (@jakegee0) April 7, 2024
Get ready for the NFL buddy
— Lou Skunt (@LouSkunt72) April 7, 2024
Last week, Bates knocked in a pair of 64-yard field goals that caught the attention of fans on social media.
Even Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson admitted that the UFL could be at risk of losing Bates because he knows NFL teams will come calling.
Any time a kicker shows he can convert on long field goals at an efficient clip, they’ll get looks from teams and Bates seems primed to at least get a training camp invite later in the offseason.
What makes Bates’ kicking feats even more impressive is the fact he didn’t kick in college but is now booting long-distance field goals in professional games.
The post UFL Kicker Has Fans Talking With Long Field Goal appeared first on The Cold Wire.