Eckley Brings Value Beyond the Punt
Punting might be the headline, but Ryan Eckley understands that the job goes well beyond just flipping field position.
When discussing his experience as a holder and the importance of that role, especially in connection with what he discussed during the pre-draft process, Eckley made it clear that he views it as a critical part of his game.
“Yes, absolutely. I held for all four years at Michigan State, and one of the big things punters talk about in the pre-draft process is that holding is just as important as kicking. You have to be a good holder, and you have to be able to service your kicker because they’re scoring the points. So, being a good holder and a confident holder, and being able to work with your long snapper as an operation, I think is extremely important.”
That kind of mindset fits exactly what the Ravens look for in specialists. It’s not just about the big leg; it’s about consistency, trust, and being part of a clean operation. That’s how you earn your role early and keep it.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ryan Eckley’s holding skill is key for Ravens