Ravens pick Loop in NFL draft with Tucker's future uncertain - ESPN

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens drafted a kicker for the first time in franchise history, which creates more uncertainty surrounding Justin Tucker's future in Baltimore.

Baltimore selected Arizona's Tyler Loop in the sixth round Saturday, which comes three months after Tucker was first accused of sexual misconduct. Tucker is facing allegations of inappropriate behavior by 16 massage therapists from eight high-end spas and wellness centers, according to the Baltimore Banner.

Ravens officials have previously said they would make a decision on Tucker after the NFL finalized its investigation. Tucker has twice publicly disputed the allegations.

While the Ravens were noncommittal on whether they would draft a kicker last week, Loop was so confident that he would get selected by Baltimore that he purchased a Ravens T-shirt a couple of days ago. He put it on after getting selected by Baltimore.

Asked how much pressure he would feel if he competed against or followed in the footsteps of the NFL's most accurate kicker, Loop told Baltimore reporters, «I think it's really exciting more than pressure, just because it gives you something to shoot for, right? We always want to be improving. We always want to be chasing perfection and learning how to adjust well and make kicks. And getting to follow in the footsteps of a guy like that has been so elite and get to compete with him and maybe learn from him — that gets me fired up.»

Known for one of the strongest legs in this draft, Loop has converted six of nine attempts from 50-plus yards, including making a 62-yarder last season. At the NFL scouting combine, Loop hit 13 of 14 field goal attempts (93.3%) and finished by making a 60-yarder.

Two of the kickers that Loop has