Previous positions:
Welcome to our final BSJ 2026 NFL Draft Preview, as we shift our attention over to special teams. Still one-third of the game, the value of special teams should not be downplayed. New England showed vast improvement in this department in 2025, but there is still work to be done.
The Patriots boast one of the best return units in the NFL with the presence of Marcus Jones (punt), Kyle Williams (kickoff) and backup Efton Chism III In fact, Jones holds the highest career punt return average in NFL history (minimum 75 returns) with 14.64 yards per return! This area is viewed as one of the team's greatest strengths and is not considered a draft-day need.
Is the third time a charm? New England used a sixth-round pick on kicker Andy Borregales last year. It was the third time they have drafted a kicker this decade, including Chad Ryland (2023) and Justin Rohrwasser (2020). For Borregales, after a few early-season misses, he rebounded strongly to have a solid rookie campaign, including a 59-yard field goal against the Dolphins in Week 18 of the regular season. The franchise feels good about his long-term outlook as their kicker of the future.
Fellow rookie long snapper Julian Ashby was deemed a success during his first season in Foxborough. However, that did not prevent the Patriots from adding to the competition, as they inked taekwondo black belt, defensive end-turned-long snapper Niko Lalos during the offseason. The two are expected to duke it out in training camp for the starting job.
The one glaring need for New England on special teams resides at punter. The inconsistent performance by Bryce Baringer a year ago should leave the team feeling that a bit more is needed. The 2023 sixth-round selection is also entering the final year of his contract. New England has done their homework on some potential punter options leading up to the draft, an indication that it could look to invest in the position on the final day of the draft, where they hold a whopping eight selections.
New England has been linked to Syracuse punter Jack Stonehouse during the pre-draft process. There's an old scouting philosophy that a left-handed punter leads to at least one additional win in the left-hand column by season's end. The thought process behind it involves a different backspin rotation that comes off the foot of lefty punters. That makes Stonehouse the most intriguing option of the bunch.
It's not too often that you see punters declare early for the NFL Draft. That would be the case for Michigan State redshirt junior Ryan Eckley, known for his high-energy swagger and ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory. “Since I was six years old, football has been a part of who I am," Eckley stated when announcing his intent to declare for the draft. "What started as a kid chasing a dream turned into years of work, sacrifice and growth and I’m incredibly grateful for every step of the journey that brought me here.”
Both Stonehouse and Eckley have a shot to hear their name called in the late rounds. It's possible that one could come at the courtesy of New England. Below is our BSJ 2026 NFL Draft Special Teams Preview, filled with an overview, rankings and in-depth player evaluations on seven of the top draft-eligible specialists.
Patriots Special Teams Depth Chart: KR: Kyle Williams, Efton Chism III; PR: Marcus Jones, Efton Chism III; PK: Andy Borregales; PT: Bryce Baringer; LS: Julian Ashby, Niko Lalos
2026 BSJ SPECIAL TEAMS OVERVIEW
Don’t sleep on special teams. Upper echelon NFL teams place a great emphasis on special teams, as it consists as one-third of the organizational makeup. Several special teams standouts have a strong chance to hear their name called on the final day of the draft.
2026 BSJ KICKER BIG BOARD
RANK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | PROJECTION [# = indicates combine invite]
#Dominic Zvada, Michigan, Rd7
#Drew Stevens, Iowa, HPFA
Kansei Matsuzawa, Hawaii, HPFA
Nate Reed, Delaware, HPFA
#Trey Smack, Florida, HPFA
2026 BSJ PUNTER BIG BOARD
RANK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | PROJECTION [# = indicates combine invite]
#Ryan Eckley, Michigan State, 6005, Rd7
#Jack Stonehouse, Syracuse, Rd7
#Brett Thorson, Georgia,HPFA
Mitch McCarthy, Indiana, HPFA
#Tommy Doman, Florida, Sr, HPFA
2026 BSJ LONG SNAPPER BIG BOARD
RANK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | PROJECTION [# = indicates combine invite]
Ben Mann, Boston College, HPFA
John Ferlman, Ohio State, HPFA
Luke Basso, Oregon, HPFA
Beau Gardner, Georgia, HPFA
Rocco Underwood, Florida, HPFA
BSJ SPECIAL TEAMS SCOUTING REPORTS
PLAYER PROFILE KEY (How to read the prospect header):
LAST NAME | FIRST NAME | SCHOOL | POSITION | YEAR | JERSEY # | HOMETOWN | PROJECTION
ABBREVIATIONS: HT = Height | WT: Weight | HD = Hand | ARM = Arm | WS: = Wingspan | 40-YD = Forty-Yard Dash | BP = Bench Press | VJ = Vertical Jump | BJ = Broad Jump | SHTL = Short Shuttle | 3C = Three-Cone
**Note**Heights of players are measured to the nearest eighth of an inch – for example, “6003” would stand for 6 ft. and 3/8 inches tall. (The first number refers to the feet, the second two numbers refer to the inches, and the last number refers to eighths of an inch). Arm, hand, and wingspan are written differently – 3012 would mean 30 1/2 inches, 0934 would mean 9 3/4 inches, and 7558 would mean 75 5/8 inches.
KICKERS
1. ZVADA, DOMINIC | Michigan | K | Sr | #96 | Chandler, AZ | Day 3
Pro Day: HT: 6032 | WT: 178 | HD: 0918 | ARM: 3168 | WS: 7678
Evaluation: A powerful right-footed kicker, Zvada has been consistently strong during his time at Ann Arbor. He scored all of the Wolverines’ points in the loss to Ohio State. Zvada maintains a composed demeanor, especially in snowy conditions, and delivers excellent distance with top-tier ball height. He has shown exceptional accuracy across all ranges (long, mid, and short) when called upon. However, he needs to develop his versatility to capitalize on kickoff opportunities and create more chances for starting-kicker roles at the next level. Overall, he is one of the few kicker prospects in the nation who could hear his name called on Day 3 of the draft.
Background: Last name pronounced (zuh-VAH-dah). A transfer from Arkansas State, where he appeared in 25 games as the starting place kicker, making 71 of 72 extra-point attempts (98.6%) and 34 of 40 field goals (85%), and was a semifinalist for the Lou Gaza Award. A five-star recruit from Valley Christian High School. He is the son of Jeff and Jodi Zvada.
PUNTERS
1. ECKLEY, RYAN | Michigan State | P | rJr | #96 | Lithia, FL | Day 3
Combine: HT: 6006 | WT: 200 | HD:0914 | ARM:3100 | WS: 7512
Evaluation: A right-footed punter/kicker with a powerful leg who served as a team captain in 2025, Eckley has shown great versatility in handling kickoff duties and using both traditional and rugby-style punting. On kickoffs, he produces good ball height, although his foot placement can be inconsistent at times. As a punter, his contact with the ball is loud as he gets it off quickly, with the snap to punt being on time. Eckley has the accuracy to place the ball on his top-notch foot and is situationally aware of field positions, often pinning opponents inside their five-yard line, as seen multiple times against Boston College. The biggest area of concern in his game is that he tends to overextend his arms at times, despite never having a punt blocked in his collegiate career. His hangtime is top-notch, as well as his backspin. Eckley has a chance to make an immediate impact at the next level as a day-one starter.
Background: Played in 37 games at Michigan State, where he led the Big Ten in punting for the past two seasons, averaging 48.5 yards per punt in 2025 and ranking second all-time in school history behind Bryce Baringer (Patriots), who averaged 49 yards per punt (2022). In 37 games played, 149 punt attempts, 47.6 yards per attempt, seven touchbacks, 50 punts inside the 20, 67 punts of over 50+ yards, no punts blocked.16 kickoff attempts, 63.2 yards per attempt, six touchbacks and one kick out of bounds. Made three tackles, two rushing attempts for -21 yards. A zero-star recruit from Newsome High School, where he was a starting kicker and punter for three years. Enrolled at Michigan State in January 2022 and completed his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in May 2025.
2. STONEHOUSE, JACK | Syracuse | PT | #41 | Sr | Camarillo, CA | Day 3
Pro Day: HT: 6020 | WT: 211 | HD: 0928 | ARM: 3258 | WS: 7768
Evaluation: A right-footed punter with NFL bloodlines who boasts a powerful leg and impressive hang time, Stonehouse is capable of executing both traditional and rugby-style punts. However, he needs to improve his snap-to-punt timing. In a recent game, a delayed snap led to a blocked punt that resulted in a touchdown. He should also work on increasing the height of his kicks, as they currently hover in the mid- to high range, and on his ball placement, which has been inconsistent, as seen in the game against Notre Dame, where he often kicked to the right or straight down the middle. Overall, the positives outweigh the areas for development, and there’s a chance Stonehouse could hear his name called on Day 3.
Background: A transfer from Missouri, where he played in 10 games for the Tigers in 2022 as a redshirt freshman. Not heavily recruited out of Chaminade High School, where he averaged 46.7 yards per punt his senior year, while averaging 41.7 yards per punt his junior year, in addition to six tackles made on the kickoff team. Son of former USC and New York Giants Punter John Stonehouse and former UCLA Soccer player Sue Stonehouse. Currently majoring in Communication and Rhetorical Studies in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
3. THORSON, BRETT | Georgia | P | Sr | #92 | Melbourne, Australia | HPFA
Pro Day: HT: 6012 | WT: 237 | HD: 0928 | ARM: 3038 | WS: 7458
Evaluation: The right-footed Australian native has a strong, powerful leg with a quick pop off the foot, utilizing a traditional punting style with elite hang time. Thorson times the snap well, getting the ball away. Although his foot placement can be inconsistent, he needs to improve his backspin to prevent multiple touchbacks. Just over 6 feet tall with a bulky frame, Thorson has a shot at competing for a starting job in the NFL come training camp.
Background: A 2023 National Champion who has appeared in 52 games with 156 punt attempts, 45.6 yards per punt, 12 touchbacks, 78 fair catches, and 48 punts over 50 yards. A three-star prospect from ProKick Australia. A communication studies major.
4. MCCARTHY, MITCH | Indiana | P | Sr | #44 | Melbourne, Australia | HPFA
Pro Day: HT: 6052 | WT: 242
Evaluation: A right-footed punter with a powerful leg, McCarthy consistently delivers a solid pop off the foot, featuring elite hang-time, precise foot placement and reliable backspin when flipping field position. McCarthy blends different punt styles, including traditional and rugby. In his traditional style, his quick snap to drop was 2.08 seconds in the game against Oregon. In a rugby-style punting formation, he functions as an arm extender and has a slower snap to punt compared to his traditional style. McCarthy’s best interest would be to focus on a traditional punting style to position himself for a starting role.
Background: Transfer from UCF, where he appeared in 37 games, with 115 total punts, averaging 43.0 yards per punt for a total of 4,948 yards, and 39 punts inside the 20 with a percentage of 33.9%. Before arriving at UCF, he trained with ProKick Australia in the fall of 2021. He did not participate in American football while living in Australia. He spent one year at Village Christian High School in California, playing basketball, before he was selected seventh overall in the 2016 Australian Rules Football Rookie Draft.
LONG SNAPPERS
1. MANN, BEN | Boston College | LS | rSr | #45 | Lancaster, PA | HPFA
Pro Day: HT: 6045 | WT: 237 | HD: 0938 | ARM: 3138 | WS: 7812 | 40-YD: 4.94 | VJ: 36.5” |SHTL: 4.35 | 3C: 7.65
Evaluation: The well-built Mann displays excellent athleticism and lateral quickness. He is very sharp during his pre-snap recognition and constantly calls out commands. On every snap, he times it perfectly thanks to his calm demeanor. As a snapper, he delivers a nice spin on the ball with good accuracy during punts. However, his main issue with snaps is that he needs to apply more velocity and be more direct with the snap height, even though his laces are solid. After the punt, he shows a smooth re-direct thanks to his loose hips and finishes with long strides while running down the field in punt coverage. As a blocker, his hand placement is right on the breastplate, though he needs to widen his base. Mann needs to improve his ability to anchor, as he tends to bend at the hips rather than the knees. A diamond in the rough with unquestioned athletic upside and NFL bloodlines, Mann could seize the opportunity to make a spot on the 53-man roster by the end of camp.
Background: Hula Bowl invitee who transferred from Yale and is a two-time Ivy League champion (2022 & 2023). Played in 40 games between Yale and Boston College with 10 tackles. A zero-star recruit from Manheim Township High School, where he played both offense and defense and served as team captain. He also captained teams in basketball and lacrosse. Earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Yale in December 2024 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Sports Analytics. His grandfather, Chuck Mercein, was a Super Bowl champion fullback for the Green Bay Packers.
2. FERLMANN, JOHN | Ohio State | LS | rSr | #43 | Phoenix, AZ| HPFA
Combine: HT: 6026 | WT: 238 | HD: 0878 | ARM: 3238 | WING: 7600
Evaluation: A three-year long-snapper for the Buckeyes, Ferlmann transferred from Arizona State. He has nice zip on his spin, with a quick, fast release when snapping the ball on punts and field goal/PAT attempts. He times the snap with pinpoint accuracy, while demonstrating the ability to get set. In punt coverage, Ferlmann has shown his speed to get downfield. On field goals and PATs, he shows a firm anchor when engaging speed-to-power rushers. However, in the Big Ten Championship Game, during the crucial missed chip-shot field goal, he needed to time the snap better while keeping the laces consistent.
Background: Transfer from Arizona State, where he played in 12 games; has 55 career games played overall, with five tackles. Limited in his pro day due to a hamstring injury. At Ohio State, he was a two-time OSU scholar-athlete (2023 & 2024), an honorable mention, and an academic All-Big Ten in 2024. In 2025, he was voted Second-team All-Big Ten by the coaches.