It is officially mock draft season! The 2022 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, with the first round kicking off on Thursday, April 28th. Of course, draft analysis, projections and rumors will be dominating the headlines until then. Among the players expected to hear his name is punter Matt Araiza out of San Diego State.
The following is a complete Matt Araiza NFL Draft profile, including stats, highlights and a mock projection.
Matt Araiza NFL Draft Profile, Stats, Highlights and Projection
Matt Araiza
Position: Punter
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 200 lbs
Age: 21
College: San Diego State Aztecs
Matt Araiza Stats 2021 | San Diego State
G | Punts | Avg | Longest | I20 |
14 | 79 | 51.2 | 86 | 1 |
Matt Araiza Draft Profile
Strengths
Matt Araiza is one of the only players in the 2022 NFL Draft who can make an immediate impact. He has the power to flip the field with one kick. This power was proved in the 2021 season, as he had 18 punts of 60+ yards and two of 80+ yards. More than just power, Araiza has a punting style that causes the ball to roll forward if it is not caught. Araiza also succeeds as a kickoff specialist, recording 62 touchbacks on 73 attempts. He also has the ability to make tackles, with speed and athleticism.
Weaknesses
With his power and quick punting style, gunners often have minimal time to cover Araiza’s punts. Araiza’s punting style with a nose-down punt leaves improvement for coffin corners. Being a left-footed punter, teams will have to adjust their formations to help fit his needs.
Matt Araiza Highlights
Matt Araiza Draft Projection
All 2022 NFL Draft Projections are taken from the latest Sporting News NFL Mock Draft by Vinnie Iyer.
Matt Araiza is currently projected to be drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 174.
For more 2022 NFL Draft coverage and player profiles, check out our NFL Draft page.