Rookie kickers have historically struggled from a statical standpoint throughout their first season in the NFL. The New England Patriots have learned that first hand this season.
After drafting Chad Ryland in the fourth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the 24-year old’s rookie season has not gone exactly to plan. Through 14 games, Ryland has missed seven of his first 20 field goal attempts, most recently pushing a 41-yard field goal wide left against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
“I think you do have to balance the rookie percentages and they are lower historically for a rookie kicker.