Bengals Linked To Arizona State Place Kicker Thomas Weber

by Josh Kirkendall on Jul 26, 2011 12:31 PM EDT

TUCSON AZ - DECEMBER 02: Kicker Thomas Weber #28 of the Arizona State Sun Devils celebrates holding the pitchfork after defeating the Arizona Wildcats in college football game at Arizona Stadium on December 2 2010 in Tucson Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Wildcats 30-29 in double overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

According to NFL Draft Bible, a third undrafted free agent is linked to the Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona State place kicker Thomas Weber. Converting 78.2% of his field goal tries in four seasons with the Sun Devils, Weber is an interesting signing, though we're not confused by it.

If true and the Bengals are signing Weber, this will give the roster three place kickers heading into training camp. This isn't actually out of the norm. Last year it was a competition between Mike Nugent and David Rayner. This year it could be a competition between Weber, Nugent and Clint Stitser.

Nugent is coming off a major knee injury; by most accounts he's recovered and kicking the ball well now. Yet while Nugent has a booming leg, he only converted 78.9% of his field goal attempts -- a percentage lower than Shayne Graham's worst season. In five games with the Bengals, Stitser converted 87.5% of eight field goal attempts, though missing two point after touchdown attempts.

The Bengals need competition and even insurance at place kicker, making this reported signing an understandable one.

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you forgot

DeQuin Evans (DE/OLB, Kentucky)

by s.dotmoneysign12 on Jul 26, 2011 12:36 PM EDT reply actions

It's the next post

Managing Editor at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Jul 26, 2011 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Nugent

Had a lower % than Graham, but not all FG attempts are equal. Nugent has a strong leg and therefore attempts the longer, more difficult, FG attempts. So his % will likely be a little lower.

If he was like Graham, and could only kick inside of 30, then his % would be much higher.

It’s like comparing the FT ’s of a 3-point shooter vs. a Center who is only shooting from inside the arc, and saying that the center is a better shooter because he is 55 vs. the other player’s 45%.

by ephram on Jul 26, 2011 12:36 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs