The Falcons cut a punter the morning of the third day of the draft because they felt they could get the punter they were targeting in the seventh round. Atlanta got that punter in Syracuse’s Sterling Hofrichter with the team’s final pick.
Hofrichter’s Combine/Pro Day Measurables
Sterling Hofrichter is a punter. His athleticism honestly doesn’t matter much because he shouldn’t be running down the field hitting guys.
Stats
2019: 12 Games Played, 69 Punts, 3,026 Yards, 43.9 Yard Average, 1-of-1 on all Field Goals, 64 Kickoffs, 62.5 Yard Average, 65.6% Touchback Rate, 3 Tackles
2018: 13 Games Played, 67 Punts, 2,874 Yards, 42.9 Yard Average, 101 Kickoffs, 63.9 Yard Average, 60.4% Touchback Rate, 3 Tackles, 1 Fumble Forced
2017: 12 Games Played, 57 Punts, 2,462 Yards, 43.2 Yard Average, 2-of-3 on all Field Goals, 1-of-1 on Extra Points, 5 Kickoffs, 60.6 Yard Average, 0% Touchback Rate
2016: 12 Games Played, 77 Punts, 3,289 Yards, 42.7 Yard Average, 1 Kickoff, 55.0 Yard Average, 0% Touchback Rate
2015: Red-shirted
Highlights
How does he fit on the field?
As a punter on the roster, Sterling Hofrichter’s only roles are being the punter, potentially being the kickoff specialist and potentially being the holder. He doesn’t have to overthink his role. He should be able to beat out Ryan Allen as a punter during his rookie training camp.
How does he fit the Comrade Filter?
Hofrichter has never been arrested or suspended. He seems to be competitive and is willing to go in and make tackles. He may have never been a captain, but as a punter, he simply did his job. Hofrichter is the kind of guy to go in, do his job and then go back to the bench.
How does he fit into the long-term plans for the Falcons?
Hofrichter should be the long-term starter at punter. As a kickoff specialist, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him beat out Younghoe Koo for the starting role there. Both have experience doing onside kicks, but both are effective at them. The Falcons will likely enjoy having both on the roster this season.
