Ain't that a Kicker!

[CloakNNNdagger]

Rookie challenges vet.

Position Competition: KickerPosted by Nick Scurfield on May 31, 2012 – 4:54 pm

The Texans’ kicker competition got going in earnest on Thursday, as rookie Randy Bullock and veteran Shayne Graham kicked in front of the team during practice for the first time.

Bullock, a fifth-round draft pick from Texas A&M, was 6-of-6 on field goals of up to 53 yards. Graham, a 12th-year veteran who was signed after the draft, was 4-of-6. Both kickers made their most important kicks of the day, 47-yard field goals to close out practice with a lot at stake for their teammates — and, by extension, for them.

“This time of year, we’re focusing on some other things, but we wanted them to kind of get their first taste and for the players to actually see them,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. “They both kicked pretty good. We held ‘em ‘til the end and we gave ‘em a chance, if they did kick well, for the players to get the afternoon off from weights and meetings. Shayne kicked for the meeting portion and he made his, and then the youngster was up for the weights portion of the program and he made his. So the (rest of the team) got to leave after practice today, so I guess they did their job.”

Before Thursday, Bullock and Graham had been kicking solely on a side field with special teams coordinator Joe Marciano during organized team activities (OTAs). The competition will continue through the rest of OTAs, mini-camp and training camp.

“Obviously, we’ve got one kicker who’s kicked in the NFL for years and then you’ve got one who’s very, very young that we’re counting on big-time,” Kubiak said. “Joe has got to create a competitive environment for them every day, and then we’ve got to create a team environment that puts some pressure on them and so their teammates see that the best man wins the job.”

Bullock wowed the Texans in a pre-draft workout in Houston where he “put on a show” in front of all the team’s coaches and scouts. Kubiak was understandably happy to see the rookie light it up in his first performance in front of the team.

“I tell you: The thing that’s really impressive, he’s young, but he’s a very mature young man,” Kubiak said. “He’s kind of strong-willed, handles himself very sharp, and if what he’s done since the workout before the draft, through the draft and since the draft has happened, if that’s what he’s about each and every day, he’s going to kick in this league for a long time. So we’re very pleased to get him.”

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[beerlover]

Originally Posted by CloakNNNdagger

Rookie challenges vet.

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thanks Cloak for keeping the offseason, well less boring

[Wolf6151]

Thanks CND, glad to see Kubiak creating pressure situations for the kickers and glad to see Bullock doing so well.

[chenjy9]

You mean I don't have to reach for alcohol or pepto bismo now every time we attempt a field goal outside of the 20 yard mark?

[Playoffs]

[Thorn]

So far at least, sounds like our 5th round pick was a good one.

[Malloy]

Originally Posted by chenjy9

You mean I don't have to reach for alcohol or pepto bismo now every time we attempt a field goal outside of the 20 yard mark?

I'll keep drinking, but for good luck...

[SheTexan]

No brainer here!! GIG UM!!

[Doppelganger]

Originally Posted by SheTexan

No brainer here!! GIG UM!!

I think its Bullock's job to lose. He was drafted pretty high 5th round, so he has to massively screw up and Graham has to be near automatic for Graham to get the job. Bullock looks like he has a strong leg and a good head on his shoulders.

I look forward to seeing him kicking meaningful fgs for the team.

[Rey]

Love the Bullock pick.

He's a high quality kicker.

If there was a draft just for kickers he's the first or 2nd overall pick....

He's a very good player at his position.

[TejasTom]

He was the first kicker taken.

[mexican_texan]

Originally Posted by TejasTom

He was the first kicker taken.

I still think we should have traded up to take the first punter as well. Now the Jaguars will surely win the division.