Ohio State Mock Draft: Where Will These 10 Buckeyes Get Drafted?
Cameron Johnston, P, Minnesota Vikings Round 6, No. 199
The Vikings need a punter after Jeff Locke bolted Minnesota for Indianapolis in free agency. Locke was an okay punter last season, averaging 42.6 yards per kick. That ranked 20th in the NFL. If Johnston lives up to the hype, he’ll be an upgrade at the position.
Cameron Johnston was a Ray Guy Award finalist, which is given annually to college football’s best punter. Johnston averaged 46.7 yards per attempt last season. There are obviously huge differences between the college and pro games, but we’re talking punters here. The biggest thing you want to know? How far can my guy blast it?
If Johnston averaged 46.7 yards per punt in the NFL, he’d be a top 10 punter. 26 of his 56 punts landed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, according to Cleveland.com.
The fact Johnston was invited to the combine offers a good indications he’ll get drafted. At the least, it means he’s on the scouting radar.
I was surprised to see six punters were invited to the 2016 combine, and three ended up being selected. Five punters attended the 2017 combine, according to NFL.com.