A new specialist could result in Green Bay this fall.
Six-year veteran Tim Masthay has struggled in the last two seasons. He totaled 1,888 yards on 49 punts in 2014, both were career lows.
Masthay averaged 44.1 yards per boot last season and dropped 14 balls inside opponents’ 20-yard line, however, it wasn’t enough. A couple of shanks and poor punts cost the Packers an opportunity in some marquee games. Masthay, 28, could be at the end of his line.
Former Alabama standout Cody Mandell was signed to the Packers on Jan. 26, 2015.
Mandell came to Alabama in 2010 as a walk-on, but developed into a solid punter.
He increased his average from 39.2 yards to 47.1 yards per punt by his senior year in 2013. Mandell won two national championships (2011, 2012) and a Southeastern Conference title with Alabama (2012). Green Bay picked him up, after Dallas released him on Aug. 12, 2014.
Mandell has a strong leg and is accurate when it comes to directional kicking.
Green Bay isn’t a stranger to bringing in competition for its specialists. Kicker Mason Crosby had to fight off incumbents in order to keep his job, after an awful display in 2012.
A solid performance throughout summer camp could help Masthay keep the role, but if Mandell remains close with him, the Packers will have a tough decision to make.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Pick Six Previews and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
