In the NFL, the importance of special teams is often understated, and yet it can be the difference between a win and a loss. While many fans focus on the star quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers, a team’s kicker is just as crucial to its success, often playing a pivotal role in tight games. For the Baltimore Ravens, one name has been synonymous with kicking excellence for over a decade: Justin Tucker.
Tucker, considered by many to be the greatest kicker in NFL history, has been an indispensable part of the Ravens’ success. His ability to make clutch kicks from long distances has set him apart, and his consistency has given Ravens fans confidence every time he steps on the field. However, with Tucker’s future eventually coming to a close—he is, after all, in his early 30s—there is a growing question: who will replace the greatest kicker the Ravens have ever known?
Baltimore Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta recently weighed in on the possibility of drafting Tucker’s replacement, acknowledging the difficulty and importance of such a task. DeCosta’s comments not only reflected the organization’s understanding of Tucker’s legendary status but also highlighted the immense challenge that comes with finding someone who can live up to that legacy. In this article, we explore DeCosta’s thoughts on drafting a replacement for Justin Tucker, the challenges involved, and why it’s such an important decision for the future of the team.