The New England Patriots head into the 2025 NFL Draft with a litany of needs on offense and defense. However, one of the most important areas that needs to be addressed is the kicker spot.
According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, the Patriots have had a private workout with Florida State kicker Ryan Fitzgerald. The Patriots need to add to the kicker room, and Fitzgerald is among the best available in the NFL Draft.
In 2024, Fitzgerald was perfect on all of his kicks. He went a perfect 13 for 13 on his field goals, of which five were from over 50 yards away. He also nailed a 59-yard field goal, something that is much needed at the NFL level. Fitzgerald was also perfect on extra points, going 14 for 14.
Fitzgerald was named third-team Associated Press All-American, and was tied for the FBS lead in field goal percentage. He also had 34 touchbacks on 42 kickoff attempts.
His 2024 was a one-year wonder, as in 2023 Fitzgerald was also very good. He made 19 of 21 field goal attempts, and made all 58 of his extra point attempts. As he’s played at the college level, Fitzgerald has continued to improve in accuracy and power.
For the Patriots, the kicker is a very important position to address heading into the 2025 NFL season. Parker Romo is the only kicker on the roster after Joey Slye left in free agency. Syle went just 26 of 33 in field goal attempts in 2024, leaving much to be desired in New England.
The Patriots’ interest in Fitzgerald makes a lot of sense, but they aren’t alone in their interest in the Florida State kicker. The Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders also are conducting private workouts with Fitzgerald.
New England will have some competition for one of the best kickers available in the 2025 NFL Draft. But, with higher selections in each round, the Patriots should be able to land Fitzgerald if they liked what they saw during the private workout.
