Highlights
Kickers and punters are valuable players in Madden NFL 24, capable of making clutch plays and influencing the outcome of the game.
Bryan Anger, Logan Cooke, and Johnny Hekker are punters who play a vital role in strategically pinning opponents deep, giving their teams an advantage. Justin Tucker, a widely acclaimed kicker, is recognized as one of the greatest kickers in history. He holds numerous NFL records and consistently performs exceptionally in high-pressure situations.
There was a long-standing belief in the past that kickers and punters were not considered "real" athletes. However, this misconception can be easily proven wrong by playing Madden NFL 24. When faced with the need to pin the opponent deep or make a crucial field goal, gamers will surely hope for one of the top performers in these positions.
Kickers and punters are actually some of the highest-scoring players across all positions. While fans may not often dream of playing as a punter, they will surely celebrate when a skilled punter in Madden NFL 24 puts opponents in a difficult situation. Those who plan on playing the game extensively will soon realize the immense value of having a superstar in this aspect, just as they would having a superstar in any other position.
10 Bryan Anger - P - 80 OVR
Bryan Anger, who topped the league in punting yards in 2013 and earned a Pro Bowl spot in 2021, exemplifies exceptional consistency in a position known for its lack thereof.
With Anger on their side, teams can rely on him to consistently create advantageous field positions, allowing their top defensive linemen to exploit offensive lapses. The Dallas team, in particular, finds solace in the knowledge that, even during offensive struggles, Anger can come to the rescue.
9 Logan Cooke - P - 81 OVR
Logan Cooke is now gaining attention after spending four years in the league. The Jaguars had a lackluster performance until the previous season. Cooke was exceptional during his initial three seasons, although it is challenging for a punter to shine on a team in chaos.
However, Cooke played a pivotal role in stabilizing the team, leading Jacksonville to a breakthrough season and securing a spot in the playoffs. The top linebackers in the industry thrive on sack opportunities, and Cooke consistently delivers a fair share of them each season.
8 Johnny Hekker - P - 81 OVR
Johnny Hekker boasts an impressive repertoire of achievements in his illustrious four-time Pro Bowl career. In addition to his triumph in the Super Bowl alongside the Rams, he holds the incredible record for the longest punt in Super Bowl history, a staggering distance of 65 yards. Furthermore, he holds the distinction of achieving the highest net average punting yards in a single season, an impressive feat of 46.
It is worth acknowledging that while the presence of exceptional cornerbacks undoubtedly contributes to the success of the Los Angeles team, the significant role played by Hekker's exceptional punting techniques cannot be overlooked. His strategic punting abilities greatly enhance the position of the defense, thereby strengthening the overall performance of the team.
7 Jake Elliott - K - 81 OVR
Jake Elliott's unforgettable rookie season is etched in the minds of many. With impressive records for the longest field goal by a rookie (61), the longest field goal by a rookie in the playoffs (53), and the longest field goal by a rookie in the Super Bowl, Elliott left a lasting mark. Moreover, his exceptional performance in winning the Super Bowl with the Eagles solidified his reputation as one of the greatest rookie kickers.
However, Elliott's prowess on the field hasn't been a mere fluke. In fact, his accuracy has improved over time, consistently nailing field goals from the middle 50s. His exceptional progress even earned him a well-deserved Pro Bowl appearance. Philadelphia has undeniably witnessed Elliott's successful career unfold in the league.
6 Ryan Stonehouse - P - 82 OVR
Despite Ryan Stonehouse's inclusion on this list, it is highly unjust to place him at such a low position in this OVR. In his rookie season, he achieved an extraordinary NFL record with an average punt of 53.1 yards per game. Such a remarkable feat should have garnered much more attention.
Surprisingly, he was not even selected for the Pro Bowl, despite having the highest number of games with an average punt of 50+ yards in a single season. This exceptional achievement should have alerted the entire league. However, Titans fans are delighted to have this underrated player on their team.
5 Tommy Townsend - P - 83 OVR
Patrick Mahomes and top-tier tight end Travis Kelce regularly find themselves in advantageous positions, and it's not by chance. Tommy Townsend skillfully pins opposing offenses deep in their own territory, enabling the defense to swiftly halt their progress and providing the offense with a favorable field position.
During the previous season, Townsend was awarded both Special Teams Player of the Week and Month, accolades typically reserved for kickers. The league's acknowledgment of a punter's significance throughout a lengthy game and season highlights the invaluable contributions of Townsend towards the success of the Super Bowl champion Chiefs.
4 Graham Gano - K - 83 OVR
Former Pro Bowler Graham Gano has been a dominant force in the game since 2009. When his team is in need, he consistently rises to the occasion with clutch performances. Gano's extraordinary kicking capabilities include successfully converting field goals from distances well over 50 yards, boasting an impressive accuracy rate of over 90% in the previous season. Surprisingly, age has only enhanced Gano's skills.
Having set the record for the longest field goals in the histories of both the Washington and Carolina teams, Gano's most remarkable feat occurred during his time in New York. He achieved an astounding streak of 37 consecutive field goals. While the Giants are renowned for their exceptional running backs, Gano unquestionably deserves every ounce of recognition he receives.
3 Daniel Carlson - K - 83 OVR
The Vikings made a regrettable decision when they released Daniel Carlson during his debut season in 2018. As it turns out, this was a massive error on their part. Carlson has not only excelled in terms of scoring, leading the league twice, but he also currently holds the noteworthy position of being the third-most accurate kicker in the NFL. This impressive display of skill has been highly beneficial for the Las Vegas team, as they are delighted by his dominance.
Maintaining an exceptional kicking record of over 90% for the past three years, Carlson has also reached a career milestone with a remarkable 57-yard field goal. With the potential for his range to continue expanding while maintaining his remarkable accuracy, it won't be long before the Raiders emerge victorious in most of their closely contested games.
2 A.J. Cole III - P - 83 OVR
A.J. Cole III had an impressive season in 2021, averaging over 44 yards per punt. However, he took his performance to another level in 2022, with an impressive average of nearly 49 yards per punt. The fact that Pro Bowlers continue to improve in their positions is a worrisome indication of what lies ahead.
Despite their disastrous season last year, the Raiders found solace in their special teams, which stood out as a positive aspect. They boast two of the finest players in this field, as well as one of the top wide receivers in the sport. Assuming there is stability at the quarterback position, Cole's punts will place the defense in favorable positions to win games.
1 Justin Tucker - K - 91 OVR
Justin Tucker is widely considered the greatest kicker in the history of the game. Unlike the ongoing debates among gamers about the best quarterback, there is little dispute when it comes to Tucker's superiority. He has set NFL records for accuracy, longest field goal, and most 50+ yard field goals in a single game.
With just one more Pro Bowl selection, Tucker will equal the record for the most appearances by a kicker in the history of the game. Despite the volatile nature of the kicking position, fans in Baltimore can always rely on Tucker to deliver in crucial moments, regardless of the distance to the goalposts.
Madden NFL 24 will be released on August 18th, 2023 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.