Most people feel that kickers are not worth a high selection in the NFL draft, and that’s because it is a specialized profession and one that many do not fully understand the importance. That may be the reason so many were upset that Tampa traded up to take the FSU star. However, Tampa felt that moving up to get him, was well worth the trade. In fact, the trade may have been made with Chicago, specifically to get Aguayo.
Tampa has selected one of the most accurate kickers in NCAA history. Aguayo made all 198 of his extra point attempts and was 69 of 78 on field goals. Although in his final two seasons with FSU, he was 14 of 22 on kicks attempted from 40-yards or more, many are still saying he was phenomenal inside of 40 yards, and that’s where an NFL kicker makes his money.
“This guy doesn’t miss. He simply doesn’t miss.” – ESPN analyst Trey Wingo.
The Buccaneers will pay Aguayo roughly $4 million for his rookie contract and that could be considered a steal, as the NFL has moved the extra-point distance from the 20 to the 33-yard mark.
The former FSU player becomes the ninth kicker in NFL history to be selected that high in the NFL draft since 1967. He is also, the highest drafted FSU kicker since Sebastian Janikowski was taken 17th overall in 2000. Robert Aguayo was a three-time All-American and joined Deion Sanders as the only FSU players to receive that honor. He also won the Lou Groza award being the best player in the country at his position, and he set an FBS record with 157 points.
Welcome to Tampa Robert Aguayo.
