Chicago Bears: 2019 NFL Draft prospects to replace Cody Parkey
By Ryan Heckman
Matt Gay, Senior, Utah
One of my favorite kicking prospects in this entire draft class can also kick in colder weather — that’s a plus, right? I’d say so. Matt Gay, a senior out of Utah, has quite the leg. But, let’s start small.
In two seasons with Utah, Gay is a perfect 85 out of 85 on extra points. Sure, go ahead and give me the part about how extra points are easier in college. That’s fine. But, repetition is repetition — and he’s nailed it from that distance.
How about anything inside 40 yards? Easy.
Gay went a combined 37-of-38 anywhere inside that yardage in two seasons with Utah. He was darn-near perfect there.
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From 40 yards on out, he looked like a collegiate kicker — one of the best, though. Gay went 11-for-17 on field goals ranging from 40 to 49 yards — not too shabby.
This is what should get you excited, if you’re a Bears fan. On field goals over 50 yards, Gay connected on 8-of-11. That includes long tries of both 55 and 56 yards, made in separate seasons.
Out of all the kickers I highlight here, Gay has connected on the longest field goal. That kind of leg and accuracy is highly coveted in Chicago right about now.