The Packers drafted kicker Trey Smack in the sixth round this year, then cut veterans Brandon McManus and Lucas Havrisik to leave Smack as the only kicker on the roster. Through two preseason games, that looks like a good decision.
On Friday night, Smack went 4-for-4 on field goals, including a 59-yarder, and last week he went 3-for-3, including a 58-yarder. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said after Friday night’s game that he loves what he’s seeing from his rookie kicker.
“I feel great, but same thing, you’ve got to do it again,” LaFleur said. “That’s the thing about the National Football League, you’re only as good as your last performance. He’s put two pretty darn good performances back to back. The talent’s there, he’s just got to continue to be consistent.”
Smack was the only kicker drafted this year, and drafting a kicker is always a gamble, as there’s a long list of good college kickers who fell short of expectations as a pro. LaFleur is feeling confident that the Packers’ gamble will pay off.