INDIANAPOLIS – The Lions recently re-signed veteran kicker Michael Badgley, who took over place-kicking duties from Riley Patterson at the end of the season. Badgley was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals and 11-for-11 on extra points in the playoffs. One of those was a 54 yarder that was the game winner against the Rams in the Wild Card.
In each of the last three seasons under general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, there has been competition in camp for the job. This past year, the competition between Badgley and Patterson carried on through the season.
Could the camp competition this year include a rookie?
All four kickers here at the Combine had terrific college careers and all four have big legs.
Stanford's Joshua Karty (6-2, 208) made 91.1 percent of his field goals over the last two seasons and has deep range out to 60 yards.
"I think what sets me apart is the combination of leg strength and consistency and quality of my technique compared to the other guys in the class," Karty said Saturday at the Combine. "I can kick the ball farther and straighter."
Alabama's Will Reichard (6-1, 194) made more than 70 percent of his 50-plus-yard field goals and is the NCAA's all-time career leader in points (547).
Cam Little (6-1, 173) made 83 percent of his field goal attempts at Arkansas and was 64 percent from 50-plus yards, including a 56-yarder.
"Obviously a very talented group here all those other guys are really talented at what they do as well and had good seasons," Little said of this year's kicker class. "I think what separated me is my confidence and ability to come back through adversity.
"I missed a game winner my sophomore year against Texas A&M and went 11-for-12 the rest of that season with two makes from 50-plus, so I think that just shows even if I miss a kick at some point, I'll come back even stronger."
Missouri's Harrison Mevis (6-0, 251) rounds out the kickers invited to this year's Combine. He holds the SEC record for longest field goal made at 61 yards, but he had some inconsistency under 40 yards the last two seasons.
View photos of the defensive backs at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
Missouri defensive back Kris Abrams-Draine participates in the vertical Jump during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Mississippi defensive back Daijahn Anthony runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Alabama defensive back Terrion Arnold runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Alabama defensive back Terrion Arnold runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Utah defensive back Cole Bishop runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
TCU defensive back Millard Bradford runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Southern California defensive back Calen Bullock runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Missouri defensive back Jaylon Carlies runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Pittsburgh defensive back M.J. Devonshire runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Carolina defensive back Marcellas Dial runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Virginia State defensive back Willie Drew runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Florida State defensive back Renardo Green runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee defensive back Kamal Hadden runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Washington defensive back Dominique Hampton runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Dakota defensive back Myles Harden runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Penn State defensive back Daequan Hardy runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Washington State defensive back Jaden Hicks runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oregon defensive back Khyree Jackson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn defensive back DJ James runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Syracuse defensive back Isaiah Johnson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Florida State defensive back Jarrian Jones runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Boston College defensive back Elijah Jones runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Alabama defensive back Jaylen Key runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Miami defensive back Kamren Kinchens runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Miami defensive back Kamren Kinchens runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Penn State defensive back Kalen King runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Arkansas defensive back Dwight McGlothern runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Rutgers defensive back Max Melton participates in the vertical Jump during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Rutgers defensive back Max Melton runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Toledo defensive back Quinyon Mitchell runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Toledo defensive back Quinyon Mitchell runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU defensive back Josh Newton runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin catches a ball during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Oregon State defensive back Kitan Oladapo runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi defensive back Deantre Prince runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn defensive back Nehemiah Pritchett runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State defensive back Josh Proctor catches a ball during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Texas A&M defensive back Demani Richardson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi State defensive back Decamerion Richardson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michigan defensive back Mike Sainristil runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
LSU defensive back Andre Sam runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn defensive back Jaylin Simpson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Washington State defensive back Chau Smith-Wade runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia defensive back Tykee Smith runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Maryland defensive back Tarheeb Still runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas Tech defensive back Dadrion Taylor-Demerson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Utah defensive back Sione Vaki runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas defensive back Ryan Watts runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Clemson defensive back Nate Wiggins runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Miami defensive back James Williams runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oregon defensive back Evan Williams catches a ball during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
"I set myself apart from just with the kicks I've had from range," Mevis said. "I've had a lot of 40-plus yarders. If you look at my career over half at one point were from 40-plus. At Missouri you see all kinds of weather conditions. We're outside, it's a big bowl ... it swirls differently and there's a lot of wind so I feel like just kicking at Missouri and having those kicks sets me apart."
It's a really productive group of kickers in this class that special teams coordinator Dave Fipp should have fun evaluating. Could this be the first year since 2014 when the Lions selected Nate Freese in the seventh round they decide to use late-draft capital on a kicker?
