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Saints, Chiefs, Titans Pursue Top Kicker Drew Stevens

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. hiefs-titans-pursue-top-kicker-drew-stevens.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, March 28th 2026 at 17:35 GMT by Sports Illustrated
      Locale: UNITED STATES

New Orleans, LA - March 28th, 2026 - The New Orleans Saints are not alone in their pursuit of Iowa kicker Drew Stevens. Reports indicate a flurry of interest in the Hawkeyes standout, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans also confirmed to be scheduling pre-draft meetings. Stevens, widely considered the premier kicking prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, is quickly becoming a hot commodity as teams assess their special teams needs.

The position of kicker is often overlooked in the grand scheme of NFL roster building, but its importance has been dramatically highlighted in recent years. A reliable kicker can be the difference between a playoff berth and a missed opportunity, a lesson learned painfully by several teams over the last few seasons. The 2024 AFC Championship game, for example, saw the Baltimore Ravens suffer a heartbreaking loss partially attributed to a missed field goal in the closing moments. This, and similar instances, have driven up the value of proven and dependable leg talent, leading to earlier draft selections and more substantial contracts for top kickers.

Drew Stevens has consistently demonstrated the traits NFL teams covet. Throughout his tenure at Iowa, he's proven to possess both impressive leg strength and pinpoint accuracy. He concluded his college career with a remarkable 86.7% field goal percentage, connecting on 58 of 67 attempts - a stat that places him among the most accurate kickers in Hawkeyes history. Beyond just making the kicks, Stevens has shown the ability to consistently boom field goals from beyond 50 yards, a crucial asset in today's NFL where teams are increasingly attempting long-range kicks. He holds the school record for longest field goal made, at 56 yards.

The Saints' interest is particularly intriguing. While incumbent kicker Blake Grupe has been serviceable, he's not without his inconsistencies. Grupe struggled with extra points at times during the 2025 season, and his field goal percentage dipped below 80% in crucial games. This has prompted the Saints' front office, led by General Manager Terry Fontenot, to explore all options to bolster the special teams unit. The team has been criticized in the past for overlooking special teams, and a move to secure a potentially elite kicker could signal a shift in philosophy.

However, the Chiefs and Titans represent stiff competition. The Chiefs, fresh off another Super Bowl appearance, are always seeking to maintain their championship pedigree. Their current kicker, Harrison Butker, while a veteran, is entering his age-32 season, and the Chiefs are known for proactively addressing potential future needs. Drafting Stevens would provide a long-term solution and ensure continued stability at the position. The Titans, on the other hand, have been rebuilding their roster for the past two years and are desperately seeking to add young talent. A reliable kicker could be a key piece in their efforts to turn the franchise around.

NFL Draft analysts predict Stevens will be drafted somewhere within the 3rd to 5th rounds. While historically kickers haven't been high draft picks, the increasing emphasis on special teams, combined with Stevens' impressive collegiate performance, has led to a significant increase in his projected draft stock. Some experts even suggest he could sneak into the second round if a team is particularly desperate for a reliable kicker.

Stevens' pro day performance at Iowa will be crucial. Scouts will be meticulously evaluating his technique, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure. They will also assess his mental fortitude and how he handles the transition to the professional game. The pressure of kicking in the NFL is immense, and teams need to ensure their kicker can handle the spotlight.

The upcoming weeks will be filled with speculation and analysis as teams continue to evaluate Stevens and other kicking prospects. One thing is certain: Drew Stevens has positioned himself as a player to watch in the 2026 NFL Draft, and his name will likely be called sooner rather than later. The Saints, Chiefs, and Titans, along with potentially several other teams, appear poised to compete for his services.