NFL Draft 2022: Why 'Punt God' Matt Araiza was third off the board after Jordan Stout, Jake Camarda

Edward Sutelan

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NFL Draft 2022: Why 'Punt God' Matt Araiza was third off the board after Jordan Stout, Jake Camarda image

Matt Araiza came into the 2022 NFL Draft as a fan favorite. Nicknamed "Punt God," the San Diego State product became well known for booming punts 80 yards and averaging an NCAA-record 51.19 yards per punt in 2021.

The anticipation about where he would kick in the the NFL ended at the start of the sixth round. Buffalo, which attempted the sixth-fewest punts in 2021, took him 180th overall with the first pick of the round Saturday.

Araiza wasn't the first punter drafted in 2022 despite his major following, however; he was the third off the board. Penn State's Jordan Stout was selected in the fourth round (130th overall) by the Ravens, and Georgia's Jake Camarda was taken by the Buccaneers three picks later.

MORE: NFL Draft picks, Rounds 1-7

Araiza said that he's taking that personally, per Syracuse.com's Matt Parrino.

"Let's just say I'll have a lot of motivation to go out and dominate this season," Araiza said.

Why wasn't the "Punt God" the first punter off the board? The Sporting News dives into the question on a big day for punters.

Why was Matt Araiza the third punter drafted in 2022?

Leg strength isn't everything. Here are some key stats among Ariaza, Stout and Camarda, per Pro Football Focus.

Punter Net Yards Yards Per Return Inside 20 Pct Touchbacks Hang time
Matt Araiza 44.5 10.5 54 14 3.96
Jordan Stout 45.2 2.4 58 3 4.36
Jake Camarda 40.9 9.9 31 5 4.10

It is possible to outkick the coverage, where a punter sends the ball too far downfield and allows the opposition more time to make a return. Stout allowed only 2.4 yards per return in college; Araiza — despite his 51.1-yard gross average — allowed 10.5 yards per return, negating much of his leg strength. Stout and Camarda also keep the ball in the air longer, which gives the punt coverage team more time to get to the returner. Both posted hang times above four seconds, while Araiza was below that.

Araiza also had an issue with touchbacks with 14 in 2021, well above Stout and Camarda.

The drafting order went as ESPN's Mel Kiper expected. He listed Stout as his top punter, with Camarda second and Araiza third.

Of course, that didn't stop Twitter from watching in confusion as the two were selected ahead of the deity.

And once Araiza was finally off the board, there was plenty of celebration.

Edward Sutelan

Edward Sutelan Photo

Edward Sutelan joined The Sporting News in 2021 after covering high school sports for PennLive. Edward graduated from The Ohio State University in 2019, where he gained experience covering the baseball, football and basketball teams. Edward also spent time working for The Columbus Dispatch and Cape Cod Times.