Irish trio impress at NFL combine

Irish kickers caught the eye in front of watching NFL scouts as they competed in the NFL international combine in Indianapolis on Sunday.

Starting out much later than scheduled, Rory Beggan, Mark Jackson and Charlie Smyth competed in a series of drills at the Lucas Oil Stadium as part of the international player pathway (IPP) with the action ending well after midnight Irish time.

The kickers, who were scattered amongst of a raft of college kickers looking to be included in the NFL draft in April, can be approached any time by clubs as they are free agents – and last night's showing – although not perfect – didn't hurt their chances.

The kickers were separated into two groups, Monaghan's Beggan and Down's Smyth, who looked very comfortable, in one and Wicklow’s Jackson in the other as they took a series of kicks from different distances and angles, some with the ball held by a pin and others with a snap and hold involved.

Shaping up here… #NFLCombine2024 #kickers pic.twitter.com/9jllxdFmzz

All three started nervously, missing early kicks, but soon found their rhythm and any further misses were pulled slightly and always had the distance – although all three missed their efforts from 60 metres, a hard kick for seasoned pros.

After a short interval, the trio were invited to take part in a series of kick off drills where they they excelled, Jackson’s length and Beggan’s accuracy very evident.

With the workout now a couple of hours old, the Irish contingent completed a few onside kick attempts before the end in what was a productive evening’s work.

Earlier in the day, the players had held extensive interviews with all 32 clubs and now must wait to see if any have been impressed enough to offer them a spot on their practice squads.