Vikings UDFA Profile: Georgia K Jack Podlesny
Over the next couple weeks, Inside the Vikings will be taking a look at all 15 members of Minnesota's 2023 undrafted free agent class.
Vikings UDFA profile: Georgia K Jack Podlesny
- Size: 6'0", 194
- RAS: N/A
- 2022 stats: 26 of 31 on FGA, 73 of 74 on XPA
Jack Podlesny, the kicker for the back-to-back defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs, will attempt to beat out Greg Joseph this offseason. Joseph had an up and down 2022 season, leading the league with five game-winning field goals while also missing a league-high 13 kicks (though five of his six missed field goals came from at least 50 yards). Thus, even though Joseph will be a significant favorite in this competition, "Hot Pod" has a shot.
A former walk-on, Podlesny bided his time for two years before taking over as Goergia's kicker in 2020. He made 13 of 16 field goal attempts that year, including a 53-yard game-winner to beat Cincinnati in the Peach Bowl.
For his career, Podlesny made 61 of 74 field goal attempts (82.4 percent) and 182 of 184 extra point attempts (98.9 percent), though it's worth noting that college extra points are only 20 yards, compared to the NFL's 33-yard extra points.
Podlesny has plenty of experience in big games, he's reasonably accurate, and he generates solid distance and hangtime on kickoffs. However, he isn't super proven when it comes to deep accuracy. Podlesny's career long is just 53 yards and he missed from 47 and 52 yards out in Georgia's Playoff semifinal against Ohio State last year.
During his career, Podlesny made just 54 percent of his attempts from at least 40 yards. He'll need to demonstrate that he can consistently hit field goals from long range to have a chance at unseating Joseph, who is 25 of 36 (69 percent) from 40-plus during his Vikings tenure, including a 61-yard game winner against the Giants last season.
Other Vikings UDFA profiles
Georgia Southern CB NaJee Thompson
North Carolina State WR Thayer Thomas
Southeastern Louisiana WR/QB Cephus Johnson III
Thanks for reading. Make sure to bookmark this site and check back daily for the latest Vikings news and analysis all offseason long. Also, follow me on Twitter and feel free to ask me any questions on there.
