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Buccaneers: Roberto Aguayo should stay and compete…for now

By Alan Schechter

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Roberto Aguayo (19) practices a field goal from the hold of Bryan Anger (9) prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Roberto Aguayo (19) practices a field goal from the hold of Bryan Anger (9) prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Roberto Aguayo should be allowed to remain and compete for the Buccaneers kicking job.

The Buccaneers, and more specifically, Jason Licht, were quite bold last season. I mean, when do we see teams trade up to draft a kicker? Did I hear somebody say never? It’s about as rare as a Cleveland Browns winning season these days. Nevertheless, that is exactly what the Bucs did in moving up to select Roberto Aguayo.

Let’s just say that didn’t work out so well last year. We all know why, so I will just leave it there.

Recently, an article was released by Joe Redemann of Number Fire that talks about why the Bucs should let Aguayo go now. He cites Aguayo’s work to this point in OTAs, as well as some advanced metrics that Number Fire uses:

"Reports have come out of Bucs’ OTAs that Aguayo has continued his whiffing ways while in completely ideal, no-pressure circumstances during kicking drills this spring. As a reminder, in 2016 during the season, Aguayo actually cost the team more than four field goals’ worth of value – he earned -12.71 NEP on 31 attempts (-0.41 Field Goal NEP per attempt)."

For the definition of “NEP”, click on the link to the article.

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It’s an interesting take, but unfortunately it misses the point a little bit. Even comparing their advanced metrics is not a fair comparison. Nick Folk has a long history in the NFL while Aguayo has only played one year. These types of metrics are much more applicable to reviewing someone’s past rather than predicting their future. There are simply too many other variables in play when predicting the future.

And let’s also dial it back on making decisions based upon OTAs. You could make full rosters in each conference, solely from players that looked good during OTAs and never made their respective teams. It’s OTAs. Anybody can look good, or bad, in shorts. It’s indicative of very little.

I understand the narrative that it can be an ideal situation for kickers. Without pads, there is no pass rush. But you still have to figure in the fact that it is OTAs, and players aren’t going after it the same way they do when training camp opens. Systems are being installed, new players are being integrated with new players, and the atmosphere is not at the same tempo as a full practice. The concentration isn’t the same. Remember, neither Roberto Aguayo or Nick Folk are required to be there.

As tempting as it is, don’t hold some optional kicks in May and June against Aguayo. Let this ride out into training camp and into preseason games.

Next: Five best running backs in Bucs history

Don’t get me wrong, we may be getting rid of Roberto Aguayo. It’s just not the right time to do it.

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