Could K. Tyler Loop Step Up as the Ravens’ Next Kicker, Replacing the Legendary Justin Tucker?
Justin Tucker is an icon. Since joining the Baltimore Ravens in 2012, Tucker has redefined what it means to be a kicker in the NFL. With the highest career field goal percentage in NFL history, Tucker has been a constant and reliable presence for the Ravens, playing a major role in many of their most iconic moments. However, at the age of 35, Tucker’s time with the Ravens may be coming to an end, which leaves the door open for the next great kicker to step in.
That brings us to K. Tyler Loop, a relatively unheralded kicker drafted by the Ravens in the 2025 NFL Draft. Loop, who played at the University of Arizona, could be the Ravens’ next potential star at the position, but it’s no simple task to replace the legend that is Justin Tucker. Could K. Tyler Loop be the successor the Ravens need, or is he just another kicker in the long shadow of Tucker’s legacy?
Justin Tucker: The Standard for Kickers
Before diving into Tyler Loop’s potential, it’s important to understand just how monumental Tucker’s legacy is within the Ravens organization and the NFL at large. Tucker holds several NFL records, including the longest field goal in Ravens history (66 yards), and his career field goal percentage stands at an astonishing 90.6%. He has made countless clutch kicks, including game-winners in critical moments, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest kickers to ever play the game.
Tucker has become synonymous with consistency and accuracy, qualities that are invaluable in the high-pressure environment of the NFL. While kickers are often the last line of defense on the field, they also have the unique ability to turn the tide of a game in just a few moments. Tucker’s presence on the field has allowed the Ravens to lean on him in crucial situations, from regular-season matchups to playoff games. His 10 Pro Bowls and 3 All-Pro selections make it clear that his impact on the Ravens’ success is hard to measure by mere statistics.
However, even legends must eventually step aside, and for all his brilliance, Tucker is not immune to the passing of time. His field goal percentage dipped in 2024, and with the rise of new, young talent in the league, the Ravens need to consider a successor.
The Ravens’ Approach to Kicker in the 2025 NFL Draft
In response to the growing uncertainty surrounding Tucker’s future, the Ravens made an interesting move in the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite Tucker’s still-valuable contributions, the Ravens selected Tyler Loop, a kicker from the University of Arizona, in the sixth round of the draft. This was a significant move for several reasons. First, the Ravens had not drafted a kicker since selecting Tucker in 2012, which suggests they believe Loop has the potential to make an impact at the NFL level. Secondly, it signals that the team is already thinking about life without Tucker, even though he is still technically on the roster.
Loop’s selection raised eyebrows around the league, with many wondering if the Ravens were actively preparing for a future without their long-time star kicker. While Tucker’s contract runs until 2026, this pick provides the team with an insurance policy in case Tucker’s performance continues to decline or he decides to retire sooner than expected. At 23 years old, Loop represents a fresh start, and his journey to the NFL is an intriguing one.
Tyler Loop: A Rising Star?
Tyler Loop comes to the Ravens after an impressive college career at the University of Arizona. He was known for his leg strength and accuracy, ranking among the top kickers in the country. Loop hit 86% of his field goals during his collegiate career and set a school record with a 62-yard field goal. His combination of accuracy and distance makes him a tantalizing prospect for an NFL team looking for a reliable kicker.
Loop also set a record for the most touchbacks on kickoffs in a season for Arizona, showcasing his powerful leg. These numbers alone suggest that Loop has the necessary tools to succeed in the NFL. However, transitioning from college to the pros is always a challenge. The pressure, intensity, and competition are at a whole new level, and many college kickers falter when faced with the magnitude of NFL games.
One of the biggest challenges Loop will face is maintaining consistency in the high-stakes environment of the NFL. While he has the physical tools, there is a mental aspect to kicking in the NFL that is difficult to replicate in college. Tucker’s success has been built not only on his physical abilities but on his remarkable poise in the clutch. Loop will have to prove that he can handle the pressure of high-leverage situations, particularly in close games where a missed field goal can decide the outcome.
Can Tyler Loop Replace Justin Tucker?
While Tyler Loop has the potential to be a successful kicker in the NFL, it is important to recognize the challenge of replacing someone like Justin Tucker. Tucker has set the gold standard for kickers in the NFL, and the Ravens will be hard-pressed to find another kicker with his combination of accuracy, leg strength, and clutch performance. Loop’s biggest hurdle is not just matching Tucker’s statistics but also living up to the expectations that come with being the successor to such a legendary figure.
For Loop to succeed Tucker, he will need to prove himself in multiple areas:
1. Accuracy
Tucker is known for his incredible accuracy, and Loop will need to replicate that at the professional level. While Loop’s college stats are promising, the NFL presents a significantly higher level of competition. Loop will have to prove that he can convert field goals consistently, especially under pressure.
2. Leg Strength
One of Loop’s strongest attributes is his powerful leg, which will serve him well in the NFL. While Tucker has always been known for his accuracy, his leg strength—particularly on longer kicks—has been a key aspect of his success. Loop will need to show that he can handle long-range attempts and provide the Ravens with a weapon on kickoffs as well.
3. Clutch Performance
This is where Tucker’s legacy stands out the most. Tucker has repeatedly delivered clutch kicks when the Ravens needed them most, from game-winning field goals to key kicks in high-pressure situations. Loop will need to demonstrate that he can handle the same pressure and perform in critical moments.
4. Consistency
Tucker has built a career on his incredible consistency. Loop will need to prove that he can maintain a high level of performance year in and year out. NFL kickers are often judged by their ability to deliver in every game, and Loop will need to show that he can handle the rigors of a full season without any significant drops in performance.
The Ravens’ Decision
The Ravens face a difficult decision regarding Justin Tucker’s future with the team. While he remains one of the best kickers in the league, the franchise must begin to plan for life without him. Tyler Loop’s selection in the 2025 NFL Draft signals that the Ravens are taking the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition when the time comes. However, this is not a decision that can be rushed.
It’s likely that the Ravens will allow Loop to learn behind Tucker for at least a season or two, giving him time to adjust to the NFL environment and refine his skills. In the meantime, Tucker will likely remain the team’s primary kicker, providing leadership and stability while Loop develops.
Replacing a legend like Justin Tucker is no small task, and it remains to be seen whether Tyler Loop can fill those shoes. He certainly has the physical tools to succeed, but he will need to prove that he can handle the mental and emotional challenges of being an NFL kicker, especially in the wake of Tucker’s immense legacy. While Tucker’s reign in Baltimore may eventually come to an end, for now, the Ravens are preparing for the future, and Loop represents the team’s best hope for maintaining their dominance in the kicking game. Only time will tell if he can rise to the occasion and become the next great kicker for the Ravens, but for now, his journey has just begun.
