Tyler Loop is a Strong Successor to Justin Tucker

Ahead of the NFL Combine, Loop kicked from as far as 70 yards in training clips shared online. The videos featuring 65 and 70-yard conversions quickly caught attention.

They reinforced his elite leg strength, which is a major asset at the pro level. For the Ravens, it’s a sign he could handle deep kicks if called upon.

Why Draft a Kicker Now?

Tucker, the veteran kicker, connected on just 73% of his field goal attempts, going 22-30 during the 2024-2025 season, a career low. From 50-plus yards, he made six of 11, after going just one of five the year before. For a kicker who once felt automatic, the decline is hard to ignore.

Off-field issues have added some uncertainty around Tucker, but the Ravens maintain Tucker’s release was strictly a football decision.

What This Means for the Ravens

Though many still regard Tucker as the greatest kicker in NFL history, the Ravens have moved on without him. He was the last player remaining from Baltimore’s 2012-2013 Super Bowl-winning team. His release marks the end of an era.

By selecting Loop, Baltimore is beginning a fresh phase in their kicking game. Loop’s strong leg and college success make him a promising candidate to take over.

The Road Ahead

Drafting Loop shows the Ravens are thinking ahead. Justin Tucker may still be the best to ever do it at kicker, but his decline was real. Baltimore knew it needed a plan for life after him. Tucker may be the past, but the Ravens just made a move that points to the future.