The Tennessee Titans already figure to have the kicker spot locked up for 2022 after inking veteran kicker Randy Bullock to a two-year deal this offseason.
However, undrafted free agent kicker out of Iowa, Caleb Shudak, appears set to give Bullock a run for his money this offseason. Shudak has been impressive in the limited looks we’ve gotten of him early on.
On Day 2 of rookie minicamp, Shudak nailed all of his field goal attempts with head coach Mike Vrabel and general manager Jon Robinson watching close by, including a 55-yard attempt.
During the two open sessions of organized team activities (OTAs), Shudak went 12-for-13 on his kicks, including makes from 44, 45, 46 and 52 yards.
“I’ve been doing good so far,” Shudak said, via Jim Wyatt of Titans Online. “I think both [himself and Randy Bullock] have been hitting the ball really well, but it helps when you have Morgan [Cox] snapping perfect snaps every time, and you have two great holders in both of the punters. It’s been a lot of fun kind of getting the work in and hitting some balls out here, and basically going through like a spring ball.”
Shudak has been wearing No. 11 in practice, which used to be owned by wide receiver A.J. Brown. He wasn’t immediately aware of the number’s significance, though.
“A.J. Brown? That’s what I got told,” Shudak said. “I got the jersey, first I put it on and it was like down to my knees… he’s a little bigger than I am.”
Despite his small stature at 5-foot-7 and 177 pounds, Shudak carries a powerful leg. Shudak made 24-of-28 field goal attempts last season, including 7-of-7 from 40-plus yards, and 4-of-6 from 50-plus.
Shudak noted that he has always managed to surprise teammates and coaches with his small frame and powerful leg.
“A lot of times I do [surprise them], yeah,” he said. “Most people in college thought I was a manager on the team, and then come to find out, oh, I actually kick. So, it was always funny. It’s a lot of fun.”
Before signing with the Titans, Shudak says the coaching staff made it seem like there would be an open competition at the position, so perhaps Bullock isn’t as locked in as we thought.
“I talked to the staff, and the interest they showed really made me feel like I belonged, and I wanted here,” Shudak said. “They made it sound like it’s an open competition, a chance for me and Randy to compete and see who comes out on top and who can help the team win.”
While Shudak figures to have an uphill climb in making the roster over Bullock, who was quite reliable in 2021, the rookie has done everything necessary thus far to put himself in position to do so. At the very least, Shudak is making the case to stick on the practice squad.
