The NFL 2025 NFL season hasn’t even begun, but the Baltimore Ravens‘ draft class is looking more and more impressive by the day.
That includes sixth-round pick Tyler Loop, whose performance in training camp and through two preseason games is enough to earn him the kicking job, head coach John Harbaugh announced. Loop will take over for longtime Baltimore kicker Justin Tucker.
“He’ll be the kicker,” Harbaugh told reporters after Baltimore’s 31-13 win over Dallas, per ESPN.com. “He’s earned it.”
Tyler Loop’s Impressive Preseason Earns Him Ravens Kicker Job
Loop has impressed at points in training camp and into games, and he made the most of his opportunities in the Ravens’ second preseason contest against the Cowboys. He made five of his six field-goal attempts in Dallas, including a pair of 50-plus bombs while also converting both of his extra-point attempts.
Loop also went 1-for-2 in the preseason opener, connecting on a 52-yarder in a win over the Colts.
The Arizona product has also impressed in practice, pairing a big leg with a desire to constantly improve, a combination that has produced immediate results for the rookie.
“From the day he walked in, (senior special teams coach Randy Brown) has just taken him and broken down step-by-step-by-step what we’re looking for,” special teams coordinator Chris Horton told reporters in early August. “Obviously, leg strength is not going to be an issue with Tyler. He can boom it. It’s just about being consistent, and he’s done a great job of that throughout this camp.
“You guys saw it (in a recent practice). He was phenomenal out there just kicking the ball, and he was dialed in, he was locked in. If (he) takes that same focus to the game, he’s going to be fine.”
Ravens Enter Post-Tucker Era
Obviously, it’s been a while since Baltimore made a kicker change. The Ravens, of course, signed Tucker as an undrafted free agent in 2012, a move that turned out to be one of the best UDFA signings in recent memory. Tucker started from Day 1, spending 13 years as the Ravens’ starter, while earning five All-Pro selections, seven Pro Bowl nods, and most importantly, helping Baltimore win a Super Bowl.
His Ravens tenure came to an unceremonious end, though, in May while he was the subject of sexual misconduct allegations. And while the Ravens waited until May to release him, they set the wheels in motion by drafting Loop. In addition to the off-field issues, Tucker’s play saw a sharp drop-off in 2024, converting just 73% of his kicks after hitting on more than 90% in his 12 prior seasons.
Why Expectations Are High for Loop
It’s not unusual for teams to use draft picks on kickers, but it’s still notable that Baltimore spent a sixth-round pick to select Loop, especially after having so much success with the undrafted Tucker.
However, his pedigree and potential made it worthwhile. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. labeled Loop his No. 1 kicker because of a “massive leg,” noting the 24-year-old converted a 62-yard field goal at Arizona.
He was always going to be the Ravens‘ guy.
“He was the one kicker they had interest in drafting, the hand-picked choice of senior special teams coach and kicking guru Randy Brown after he had pre-draft workouts with the top kickers,” The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec wrote.
Now, with a job secured, he’s got some big shoes to fill.
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