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The Cleveland Browns held competitions at both their kicker and punter positions during the preseason. Special team coordinator Mike Priefer believes “the sky's the limit” for punter Jamie Gillan.
#Browns special teams coordinator Mike Priefer said Colquitt would've been the safe bet at punter, but Jamie Gillan was too talented to let out of the building. "The sky's the limit for him''
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 5, 2019
During the preseason, the Browns allowed an undrafted rookie from Scotland to compete with veteran Britton Colquitt to become the team's punter. In the end, head coach Freddie Kitchens and Cleveland decided to go the youthful route by handing the punting duties to Gillan.
In four preseason games, the “Scottish Hammer” (Gillan's nickname from the team) averaged 46.4 yards per punt. What makes Gillan interesting is the fact that he is left-footed, which is uncommon in today's NFL.
#Browns ST coordinator Mike Priefer: Jamie Gillan kicking left-footed is a "bonus." Wasn't part of decision to keep him but makes returners uncomfortable.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) September 5, 2019
Returning punts can already be difficult with 200-pound cornerbacks flying at full-speed towards you. Furthermore, having a left-footed punter can make things even tougher for opposing punt returners.
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Along with Gillan, the team is also making rookie Austin Seibert as the team's starting placekicker. Similarly to Gillan, Seibert impressed during the preseason by making six of his seven field-goal attempts—including a 54-yarder against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3 of the preseason.
With Gillan and Seibert, the Browns are the only team in the NFL to have two rookies as their starting kicker and punter. Priefer will send the special-teamers to the Browns' stadium to get experience with kicking on the actual field.
#Browns ST coordinator Mike Priefer said he'll send specialists to stadium every week to get "confident" in new surroundings. Wants to build home-field advantage.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) September 5, 2019
The Browns are regarded as one of the teams who could compete for a Super Bowl in 2019 with rising star Baker Mayfield and recently acquired wideout Odell Beckham Jr. In the end, it could come down to how their special teams unit performs in high pressure situations.
