The NFL Draft is now just weeks away and, for some teams, the snapping position remains uncertain. There was uncharacteristic movement among snappers during the start of free agency earlier this month, as Patriots snapper Lonie Paxton signed a long-term deal with the Broncos. Paxton’s departure caused a ripple effect, as the Broncos soon released Mike Leach and the Cardinals did the same with Nate Hodel after he failed a physical. Hodel eventually filled the Patriots spot, while Leach signed with the Cardinals. Another veteran snapper, JP Darche, was recently released by the Chiefs, leaving Thomas Gafford, who filed in for Darche at the end of last season, as the snapper.
Heading into the Draft, the Seahawks and Panthers have the biggest needs, although the Panthers’ cap problems may be hampering their ability to re-sign Jason Kyle. The Seahawks recently worked out Leach before he signed with the Cardinals and client Bryan Pittman. The Seahawks currently have Ryan Senser, who was in training camp with the Saints last year, and Tyler Schmitt, a Sixth Round pick who spent last year on injured reserve.
The latest rankings of the Draft-eligible snappers have Jake Ingram of Hawaii at the top according to NflDraftScout.com, Pro Football Weekly and Scouts, Inc. NflDraftScout.com has Sean Griffin (Michigan), client Mark Estermyer (Pitt), Clint Mower (Utah) and Bret White (Georgia Tech) following Ingram, while Griffin, Dave Peck (Wisconsin), Nick Sundberg (California) and TJ O’Leary (Nebraska) follow Ingram on Pro Football Weekly’s latest rankings. Finally, Scouts, Inc. lists Estermyer, White, Sunberg, Mower, Griffin and O’Leary behind Ingram.
This is the last traditional issue of News and Notes! Longsnap.com will be converting to a blog to provide snapping information more quickly and efficiently. Look for the new blog format to appear at longsnap.com shortly. Current subscribers to News and Notes will receive a notice once the blog goes live and information on subscribing to the feed.
