Ravens betting on rookie underdog to replace their all-time leading scorer
You may have heard an old saying before, though it's difficult to remember who said it first. It went like this: 'I don't mind if someone is used instead of me, but I'd rather someone not be used in spite of me'. First things first. This isn't meant to share opinions about Justin Tucker's lawsuit, other than to restate that it's unfortunate. As a result, the Baltimore Ravens have determined it's in the organization's best interest that they move on.
So, what's next? It appears the franchise's all-time leading scorer will see his hoes filled by the most unlikely of candidates.
The Ravens appear ready to hand kicking duties over to a sixth-round draft choice.
The NFL Draft is firmly in our rearview mirrors now. An 11-man rookie class has accepted its task of helping this great organization to, hopefully, a third Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Malaki Starks and Mike Green are expected to be among the diamonds of this group. They'll be among the early contributors hoping to help shift the balance of power in the American Football Conference back into the hands of The Flock. Another expected early contributor was contacted 159 picks after Starks' name was written on a draft card and turned in to Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Tyler Loop entered the 2020 college football season as the Arizona Wildcats' punter. He transitioned to become the kicker in 2021. 327 NCAA points later, he enters his rookie season just a few months after being named a finalist for the Lou Groza Award, one given to college football's top placekicker.
There's certainly more to his story now. He's the guy who will be asked to fill the shoes left by Baltimore's all-time leading scorer.
Justin Tucker, an undrafted free agent signed by the Ravens in 2012, played 13 seasons in purple, black, and metallic gold. He leaves having scored 1,775 points. He owns the NFL's record for the longest kick in our great game's long and storied history.
He's a Super Bowl champion (XLVII) and a five-time First-Team All-Pro (2013, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021). He's also a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. In addition, he has also earned three Second-Team All-Pro mentions (2017, 2020, 2022) and seven Pro Bowl nominations (2013, 2016, 2019-23).
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