Kai Kroeger P South Carolina | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Kai Kroeger P South Carolina
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| Last Updated: 01/29/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 5.00 seconds (8%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 22.7 DOB: 06/11/2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Last Updated: 01/29/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 5.00 seconds (8%*) | |
| Age: 22.7 DOB: 06/11/2002 | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 81.2 / 100 | |
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| Focus: |
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79% |
| Placement: |
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81% |
| Leg Strength: |
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76% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
7th
Overall Rank:
#241
Position rank:
#8
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| College Games: 60 | ||
ESPN RATING: 75/100
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247 RATING: 79/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.4 (89%)
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Draft Profile: Bio
Born June 11, 2002 in Lake Forest, Illinois, Kroeger emerged as one of the most dynamic special teams weapons in South Carolina history. A five-year starter who evolved from a raw rookie averaging 43.3 yards per punt into a complete specialist whose career 44.6-yard average ranks second all-time for the Gamecocks. His development arc shows remarkable consistency, culminating in a career-best 47.8-yard average as a super senior in 2024.The former high school quarterback brought unique versatility to Columbia, completing 7-of-10 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns on trick plays while handling holding duties with professional precision. His 265 career punts (fifth-most in SEC history) and 11,823 punting yards (second in SEC history) speak to both his durability and sustained excellence. The two-time All-American elevated his game in crucial moments, notably a masterclass performance against Clemson in 2022 where he dropped three punts inside the five-yard line while averaging 53.7 yards per kick.
Beyond the raw numbers, Kroeger's academic achievements and leadership roles - including serving on the SEC Football Leadership Council - showcase the kind of character NFL teams covet. His criminal justice background and aspirations for a Secret Service career demonstrate a maturity that separates him from typical specialist prospects.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Elite directional control allows for aggressive coffin-corner attempts without sacrificing distance - demonstrated by 100 career punts inside the 20 against just 19 touchbacks
- Exceptional hang time creates optimal coverage lanes, limiting return opportunities and maximizing net yardage even on shorter kicks
- Rare athletic background as former QB translates to smooth holder mechanics and legitimate fake punt threat that forces teams to respect execution
- Shows advanced situational awareness in critical moments, consistently delivering his best performances in rivalry games and pressure situations
- Demonstrates excellent field awareness and placement touch, particularly skilled at pinning returners against the sideline with angled trajectory
- Natural leg swing generates easy power without overstriding, allowing consistent contact point and repeatable mechanics
- Versatile skill set includes successful onside kick execution and ability to vary roll-out punting direction based on return alignment
- Outstanding work ethic and leadership qualities evidenced by steady statistical improvement each season and special teams captain role
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Initial get-off time can be slightly deliberate, creating vulnerability against aggressive punt rush schemes particularly from interior pressure
- Operation time from snap to punt occasionally varies, leading to timing inconsistencies with coverage unit releases downfield
- Limited experience punting in adverse weather conditions
- Can get slightly mechanical in approach during high-pressure situations, leading to reduced flexibility in follow-through
Scouting Report: Summary
Kroeger brings a polished, NFL-ready skill set that should translate immediately at the next level. His combination of consistent leg strength, precise placement ability, and legitimate fake punt capabilities make him a weapon rather than just a specialist. The improvement arc throughout his college career suggests he's still ascending technically despite extensive experience.His ideal fit would be with a team emphasizing directional punting and looking to create field position advantages through special teams. While straight-line speed limitations may prevent him from being an asset in coverage, his holder experience and trick play ability add significant value. Smart money has him hearing his name called late Day 3, bucking the trend of punters going undrafted.
Teams will love his professional demeanor and clear career vision beyond football. His background in criminal justice and leadership roles suggest the kind of mature, focused individual who will maximize his abilities through preparation and film study. Expect him to win a starting job as a rookie and develop into a reliable NFL punter with Pro Bowl upside.
How other scouting services rate Kai Kroeger (Overall Rank)
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.