Buffalo Bills punting battle is already over and here’s why
Draft, Develop, and Re-sign
What has been perhaps the motto of this Buffalo Bills front office has reigned true for many of the Buffalo Bills’ star players. Araiza is no exception to this concept just because he is a specialist. There are several areas where Araiza’s game could use improvement.
First, Araiza needs to work on the hang-time of his punts. With Araiza’s leg, he could outkick the coverage, and his hang-time is not on the caliber of an elite NFL punter. In the 2021 college season, Ariaza averaged four seconds of hangtime, which is a little low considering how far his punts travel. This means Araiza could be susceptible to some return opportunities for opponents. Second, Araiza could work on his accuracy when punting around midfield. Nearly every punt Araiza could make into the opposing endzone, but refining those skills and getting the ball inside the 20 should be a priority for Araiza.
The Bills drafted Araiza and will allow him to develop as a punter and a holder. With one of the biggest legs in the league already, his string of highlights will continue through this season. However, it will be important that Araiza continues refining his game as a punter if he plans to stick around in Buffalo long term.
What Happens to Haack?
Matt Haack won’t make the Buffalo Bills, and there likely is no spot on the practice squad for a specialist.
Haack was in the bottom eight in both punts downed inside the 20 and punt net average of punters with at least 40 kicks. He was also tied for second in touchbacks, which was surprising given his acumen as a precision punter before his time in Buffalo.
The bottom line is that even if Haack did excel at what many thought he would be good at with his accuracy, it still would not be enough to beat out Araiza. Haack is an average, at best replaceable punter who can hold well. And based on his performance last season Haack would need a miracle to make the team.
