The Tennessee Titans already determine to have the kicker spot locked up for 2022 after inking veteran kicker Randy Bullock to a two-year deal this offseason.
Nonetheless, undrafted free agent kicker out of Iowa, Caleb Shudak, seems set to present Bullock a run for his cash this offseason. Shudak has been spectacular within the restricted appears to be like we’ve gotten of him early on.
On Day 2 of rookie minicamp, Shudak nailed all of his discipline objective makes an attempt with head coach Mike Vrabel and common supervisor Jon Robinson watching shut by, together with a 55-yard try.
In the course of the two open periods of organized staff actions (OTAs), Shudak went 12-for-13 on his kicks, together with makes from 44, 45, 46 and 52 yards.
“I’ve been doing good up to now,” Shudak mentioned, by way of Jim Wyatt of Titans Online. “I believe each [himself and Randy Bullock] have been hitting the ball rather well, nevertheless it helps when you might have Morgan [Cox] snapping excellent snaps each time, and you’ve got two nice holders in each of the punters. It’s been lots of enjoyable sort of getting the work in and hitting some balls out right here, and mainly going via like a spring ball.”
Shudak has been carrying No. 11 in follow, which was owned by huge receiver A.J. Brown. He wasn’t instantly conscious of the quantity’s significance, although.
“A.J. Brown? That’s what I obtained instructed,” Shudak mentioned. “I obtained the jersey, first I put it on and it was like right down to my knees… he’s a bit greater than I’m.”
Regardless of his small stature at 5-foot-7 and 177 kilos, Shudak carries a strong leg. Shudak made 24-of-28 discipline objective makes an attempt final season, together with 7-of-7 from 40-plus yards, and 4-of-6 from 50-plus.
Shudak famous that he has at all times managed to shock teammates and coaches along with his small body and highly effective leg.
“Plenty of occasions I do [surprise them], yeah,” he mentioned. “Most individuals in school thought I used to be a supervisor on the staff, after which come to seek out out, oh, I truly kick. So, it was at all times humorous. It’s lots of enjoyable.”
Earlier than signing with the Titans, Shudak says the teaching workers made it look like there could be an open competitors on the place, so maybe Bullock isn’t as locked in as we thought.
“I talked to the workers, and the curiosity they confirmed actually made me really feel like I belonged, and I needed right here,” Shudak mentioned. “They made it sound prefer it’s an open competitors, an opportunity for me and Randy to compete and see who comes out on prime and who may help the staff win.”
Whereas Shudak figures to have an uphill climb in making the roster over Bullock, who was fairly dependable in 2021, the rookie has carried out all the things vital to date to place himself in place to take action. On the very least, Shudak is making the case to stay on the follow squad.