Cleveland Browns: 3 little discussed players who could have big years

Jamie Gillan

Jamie Gillan is so strong that he can pop balls by kicking them. The Scottish born, former rugby player came to the United States at 16 after his father was relocated to Maryland. He had no experience playing football but the day after attending his first game, he tried out as a punter and kicker for his high school team and made the squad. He was recommended by a friend to the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff University football team, who took notice of Gillan and was subsequently invited to play for the team.

He handled punting and kicking duties at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, where he averaged 43.7 yards per punt as a junior. He also dropped 27 punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line during his senior season, showing strength and accuracy. He wasn’t a slouch with respect to his field goal kicking, as he set the school record with a 52-yard field goal.

As a rookie, Gillan was tenth in the NFL in yards-per-punt. An impressive stat-line, made more impressive that it was only his sixth year playing the sport. Gillan’s strength and accuracy, as well as his overall athleticism, make him a unique punter.

Unlike a lot of punters, it’s entirely possible that Gillan could stand in as a kicker for the Browns should kicker Austin Seibert get injured or start to miss his kicks. Outside of that, Gillan has also shown to be willing to mix it up on punts, not afraid to put his shoulder into the pile. With some time, a little guidance, and maybe a few choice hits, Gillan could see himself as a perennial Pro Bowler for the Browns.