American Football

Austin McNamara could be Washington’s punter of the future

April 19, 2024

TCU v Texas Tech — Photo by Josh Hedges/Getty Images

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2024 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

Austin McNamara, P
School: Texas Tech | Conference: BIG 12
College Experience: Super Senior | Age: 23
Height / Weight: 6’4” / 210 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Rounds 6-7

College Statistics

Punting & Kicking Table
						Punting			Kicking
Year	School	Conf	Class	Pos	G	Punts	Yds	Avg	XPM	XPA	XP%	FGM	FGA	FG%	Pts
2019	Texas Tech	Big 12	FR	PK	12	59	2657	45.0	0	0		0	0		0
2020	Texas Tech	Big 12	SO	PK	9	41	1898	46.3	0	0		0	0		0
*2021	Texas Tech	Big 12	JR	PK	13	42	2023	48.2	0	0		0	0		0
*2022	Texas Tech	Big 12	SR		13	50	2215	44.3	0	0		0	0		0
*2023	Texas Tech	Big 12	SR	P	13	55	2548	46.3	0	0		0	0		0
Career	Texas Tech					247	11341	45.9	0	0		0	0		0

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 4/18/2024.

Player Overview

In 2019, McNamara started as a freshman at Texas Tech, averaging 45 yards per punt – second among freshman that year – and finishing First Team All BIG 12 that season. His sophomore season, he upped his average to 46.3 yards and bombed an 87-yard punt (shown below), breaking the BIG 12 record, and again finishing First Team All BIG 12. By 2021, he set the BIG 12 record with an average punt distance of 48.2 yards.

In 2023, after being granted and additional year of eligibility, he finished with an average punting distance of 46.3 yards, was named BIG 12 Special Teams Player of the Year and First Team All BIG 12 again.

He was one of two punters selected for the Senior Bowl.

Strengths

Great short field punter.
Superb hang time.
Still relatively young compared to other top punting prospects.
Excellent at limiting returns.

Weaknesses

He’s a punter.

Let’s See His Work

Punter Austin McNamara has declared for the NFL Draft. A reminder that he’s got a helluva leg: https://t.co/DO2jrdpvkK pic.twitter.com/zZJvexFU1G

— The Transfer Portal CFB (@TPortalCFB) December 23, 2023

@TexasTechFB Punter Austin McNamara with just one of his several very good punts of the day here at #SeniorBowl. Pinned down within the 10 yard line, and he averaged over 45 yards per punt at Texas Tech. One of the best special teams players here in Mobile. This draft is loaded… pic.twitter.com/DJeZP8XnxN

— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhiferNFL) February 1, 2024

It’s here, the 2024 punter mock draft!

This year there’s a surprise at the top with @TexasTechFB Austin McNamara being the top punter off the board. See who else goes, where, and why.

Creds to @IsaacPunts for ton of great insight@PhillyCvrCorner https://t.co/06dn1Z3GDU

— Greg – PhillyCoverCorner (@greghartpa) April 5, 2024

The new show is ready for you to listen to. Texas Tech punter Austin McNamara (@aust_31) joined me to talk about his college career, preparing for the NFL draft and the NFL, the Senior Bowl and his experience at the #AZCardinals local pro day https://t.co/zKgGigD5Gb

— Jess Root (@senorjessroot) April 18, 2024

How He Would Fit

Washington is currently paying the third highest punter salary in the league to a 34-year old. The days of hailing Tress Way as the team’s “Pro Bowler” were fun while they lasted, but it’s time to turn over a new leaf and bring in some younger talent at the position. Way was bottom ¹⁄₃ of the league in 46 average punt distance in 2023, and his reputation exceeds his output by a substantial margin. Thankfully, Adam Peters has experience drafting punters (his front office took Mitch Wishnowsky in the 7th round of the 2019 draft).

McNamara, or perhaps BYU’s Ryan Rehkow, could be very solid additions to Washington’s special teams unit, and help free up cap space for more critical positions, while at the same time raising the potential ceiling of the group.