Analyst Makes Bold Prediction on Outcome For Packers Kicking Job

The Green Bay Packers have several positional battles that will be taking place this summer during training camp. However, there has been one that has been raging on all offseason; the kicker spot.

Last season, it was Anders Carlson who was the team’s kicker. He was replacing long-time kicker Mason Crosby, who the team opted to move on from after using a sixth-round pick on Carlson in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Auburn product has a huge leg but struggled at times with consistency. He started the regular season off hot but was not someone the Packers could trust with 100 percent confidence the second half of the season. Including the two postseason games, Carlson missed at least one kick in five straight games to end the season.

That led to the Packers bringing in some competition for him this offseason. In an unprecedented move, Green Bay has been carrying three kickers on their roster. Veteran Greg Joseph and 2023 undrafted free agent Jack Podlesny have been competing with Carlson.

While Joseph has the experience edge, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report does not believe he will win the job. One of the bold predictions he made recently was that Joseph wouldn’t be the team’s starting kicker.

“On one hand, Joseph has a lot of experience. He’s made 100 field goals and 146 extra points in his five year career with appearances with the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings.

The problem is that he wasn’t that much than Carlson last season. He went three-of-six from 40-49 yards and four-of-seven from beyond 50 yards. He also missed two extra points,” Ballentine wrote.

Packers special teams coach Rich Bisaccia didn’t give a ringing endorsement to Joseph, either. He spoke about some of the struggles Joseph has had when playing against Green Bay, but did appreciate his competitiveness.

“In our conversation with him, he hasn’t played well here, the two years I’ve been here. We blocked one, he missed one, so him playing in these conditions is a little bit different for him, as well. He’s got a tremendous leg. He’s got a great mindset, so it’s been a good competition to this point,” Bisaccia said.

This will be something to keep an eye on moving forward. Having a kicker the coaching staff can rely on is imperative to the Packers having success. Carlson looks to be the leader in the clubhouse at the moment, but Joseph and Podlesny will look to put pressure on him throughout the summer.

Do you want the latest news, updates, and rumors surrounding all sports? Click here. Make sure to check out our sister sites as well: NFL Analysis Network, NBA Analysis Network, Packers Coverage.