Sebastian Janikowski was a highly-touted kicker coming out of college, and many NFL teams had their eyes on him in the 2000 NFL Draft. However, it was the Oakland Raiders who ultimately decided to take a chance on the young kicker, selecting him with the No. 17 overall pick in the draft.
At the time, some questioned the Raiders’ decision to use such a high draft pick on a kicker. After all, kickers are not typically considered to be among the most important players on a team, and it was rare for a kicker to be taken in the first round of the draft.
However, the Raiders clearly saw something special in Janikowski. He had a powerful leg, able to make kicks from very long distances, and was known for his accuracy as well. The team believed that he could be a game-changer for them, helping them win close games with his kicking abilities.
As it turned out, the Raiders were right to take a chance on Janikowski. He went on to have a long and successful career with the team, becoming one of the most consistent and reliable kickers in the league. He set numerous records durig his time in Oakland, including the record for most field goals of 50 yards or longer in NFL history.
Janikowski’s success also helped to change the perception of kickers in the league. While they may not be the most glamorous players on the field, kickers are now recognized as an important part of any team’s success. And Janikowski played a key role in helping to make that happen.
In the end, the Raiders’ decision to draft Sebastian Janikowski with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft proved to be a smart one. He went on to have an outstanding career with the team, and helped to change the way that kickers are viewed in the NFL.
Has A Kicker Ever Been Drafted First Round?
Kickers have been drafted in the firt round of the NFL draft on five separate occasions. The most recent instance was in the year 2000 when the Oakland Raiders selected Sebastian Janikowski in the first round. Other players who were drafted in the first round as kickers include Steve Little (1978), Russell Erxleben (1979), Ali Haji-Sheikh (1983), and Roberto Aguayo (2016). Although kickers are important players in a football team, they are not typically considered as high-value picks in the first round. However, some teams, such as the Raiders, have shown a willingness to take a kicker early if they believe the player has the potential to make a significant impact on their team.
What Is The Highest A Punter Has Been Drafted?
The highest a punter has ever been drafted in the National Football League (NFL) is with the 23rd pick in the firt round. This honor belongs to Ray Guy who was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the 1973 draft. It is worth noting that Guy was not just any punter, he was regarded as one of the best to ever play the game. In fact, he was the first punter ever to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014. While other punters have been drafted in the first round since Guy, none have been selected higher than the 23rd pick.
Why Did Sebastian Janikowski Get Drafted In The First Round?
Sebastian Janikowski got drafted in the first round due to his exceptional kicking abilities. He had a powerful leg and was considered by many to be the best kicker in college football at the time. Additionally, the Oakland Raiders’ owner, Al Davis, believed that Janikowski was the missing piece in their team’s puzzle. He thought that havng a reliable kicker who could score from long distances would give the Raiders an edge over their opponents. As a result, the Raiders selected Janikowski in the first round of the 2000 NFL draft with the 17th overall pick. Since then, Janikowski has proven to be an excellent kicker, making some of the longest field goals in NFL history and solidifying his place as one of the best kickers of all time.
What Pick Was Janikowski Drafted?
Sebastian Janikowski was drafted by the Raiders with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft. This means that he was the 17th player selected in the first round of that particular draft. The Raiders made a strategic decision to draft Janikowski, who was a highly-regarded kicker, with their first-round pick, and he went on to have an 18-year career with the Silver and Black. Throughout his time with the team, Janikowski established himself as one of the most reliable and consistent kickers in the league, and his contributions to the Raiders’ success cannot be overstated.
Conclusion
Sebastian Janikowski’s selection by the Oakland Raiders in the first round of the 2000 NFL draft was a controversial move at the time. However, Janikowski went on to become one of the most successful kickers in NFL history, proving his worth to the Raiders over the course of 18 seasons. While taking a kicker in the first round may seem like a risky move, Janikowski’s career serves as a reminder that any player, regardless of position, can make a significant impact on a team’s success. Ultimately, the Raiders decision to draft Janikowski paid off, as he solidified their kicking game and helped them achieve success on the field.
