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ok with the 185th pick of the ROD mock draft the Chicago Bears select:
Ka'iminoeauloameka'ikeokekumupa'a Fairbairn, K, UCLA
After a very poor season for the Bears kicker Robbie Gould, its time to move on.
Thankfully Fairbairn only goes by Ka'imi, because his full first name is a mouthful: Ka'iminoeauloameka'ikeokekumupa'a. Fairbairn was the first Bruin to total over 100 points in each of his four collegiate seasons, saving his best season for last. The 2015 Lou Groza Award winner connected on 20 of 24 attempts in 2015, improving from his 18-for-22 mark in 2014. Fairbairn made two of three attempts from 50 yards out or more, including a 60-yarder against Cal. His ability to force touchbacks on kickoffs also catches the eyes of scouts (119 of 164 in 2014-2015, or 72.6 percent). A dual threat like that is coveted by special teams coaches across the league, making this Hawaii native a wanted man.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Incredible precision as a kicker. Made all 16 of his kicks this season from 40 yards and in and finished college with a streak of 41 straight makes from 35 and in. Lou Groza Award winner and Pac-12 all-time leading scorer. Has a powerful leg. Nailed 60-yard field goal at the end of the half against Cal. Successful kickoff specialist as well with no kicks out of bounds and a touchback rate of 70 percent. Kicks with consistent rise trajectory.
WEAKNESSES
Three of his four misses came in the fourth quarter. Kickoff hang time was average by NFL standards. Could cause major issues for jersey maker if he asks to go by given name Ka'iminoeauloameka'ikeokekumupa'a.
NFL COMPARISON
Blair Walsh
BOTTOM LINE
Fairbairn is the total package as a kicker. He is consistent from middle to long, has a strong leg to handle kickoffs and has never had a kick blocked thanks to his trajectory. Fairbairn should be drafted and step right into an NFL job.
Ka'iminoeauloameka'ikeokekumupa'a Fairbairn, K, UCLA
After a very poor season for the Bears kicker Robbie Gould, its time to move on.
Thankfully Fairbairn only goes by Ka'imi, because his full first name is a mouthful: Ka'iminoeauloameka'ikeokekumupa'a. Fairbairn was the first Bruin to total over 100 points in each of his four collegiate seasons, saving his best season for last. The 2015 Lou Groza Award winner connected on 20 of 24 attempts in 2015, improving from his 18-for-22 mark in 2014. Fairbairn made two of three attempts from 50 yards out or more, including a 60-yarder against Cal. His ability to force touchbacks on kickoffs also catches the eyes of scouts (119 of 164 in 2014-2015, or 72.6 percent). A dual threat like that is coveted by special teams coaches across the league, making this Hawaii native a wanted man.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Incredible precision as a kicker. Made all 16 of his kicks this season from 40 yards and in and finished college with a streak of 41 straight makes from 35 and in. Lou Groza Award winner and Pac-12 all-time leading scorer. Has a powerful leg. Nailed 60-yard field goal at the end of the half against Cal. Successful kickoff specialist as well with no kicks out of bounds and a touchback rate of 70 percent. Kicks with consistent rise trajectory.
WEAKNESSES
Three of his four misses came in the fourth quarter. Kickoff hang time was average by NFL standards. Could cause major issues for jersey maker if he asks to go by given name Ka'iminoeauloameka'ikeokekumupa'a.
NFL COMPARISON
Blair Walsh
BOTTOM LINE
Fairbairn is the total package as a kicker. He is consistent from middle to long, has a strong leg to handle kickoffs and has never had a kick blocked thanks to his trajectory. Fairbairn should be drafted and step right into an NFL job.