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Buccaneers training camp battle breakdowns: Placekicker

By Alan Schechter

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 18: Head coach Dirk Koetter talks with Kwon Alexander #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the sideline during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 18: Head coach Dirk Koetter talks with Kwon Alexander #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the sideline during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 20: Kicker Roberto Aguayo
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 20: Kicker Roberto Aguayo /

The Incumbent: Roberto Aguayo

We all know the story on this guy. It was the 2016 draft and nobody saw this coming. The Bucs traded up and I think everyone on the planet thought it was to acquire safety Keanu Neal. It wasn’t. When Roberto Aguayo was introduced as the Bucs selection, I am quite sure some heads did complete 360’s. Why take a kicker? Couldn’t they have gotten one later? Jason Licht saw who he wanted and, true to form, he got him.

The most accurate kicker in college football history, Aguayo was brought in to fix all the problems of previous seasons. He had never missed an extra point or a kick from inside 40 yards. Well, it didn’t work out so well last year. Aguayo only managed a 71% rate on field goals, good for last in the league among regular kickers. His PAT % was only 94.1 as well. He simply couldn’t be counted on.

Aguayo did show flashes of brilliance, however. Four field goals and an extra point led him to a Player of the Week honor for his performance against the Chiefs. He did boot a game winner against the division rival Panthers on Monday Night Football. Aguayo does have the ability to make kicks in this league. He just needs to get his mind together and get it done consistently. Otherwise, he won’t be long for the Bucs, or the NFL.

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