Trey Smack is a Big Deal

Key Points:

• The Green Bay Packers faced criticism for drafting a kicker, but having at least an average kicker is essential for contending teams, and acquiring one requires either free agency, undrafted free agents, or the draft.
• While kickers play few snaps and differences between average and elite kickers seem small, they often face high-leverage situations where their performance can significantly impact win probability, as seen with Brandon McManus's missed kicks in a playoff game.
• The Packers have struggled to find an average kicker since Mason Crosby, but rookie Trey Smack shows promising leg power, having demonstrated long-distance kicking ability in preseason games, which could translate into more scoring opportunities.
• Kicking power is important as it can replace low-probability Hail Mary attempts with more manageable long field goal tries, potentially altering game outcomes in critical moments.
• If Trey Smack performs at least at an average level, he could be the best Packers kicker in years, complementing improved punting by Daniel Whelan and potentially boosting the Packers' special teams performance.