St. Louis Rams: 10 Greatest Undrafted Free Agents in Team History
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Though he’s somewhat unsung as a punter, Hekker has been one of the Rams’ most valuable players since signing as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon State in 2012. He immediately made an impression as a passer on trick plays, going a perfect 3-for-3 for 42 yards and a touchdown. Hekker also had a not-too-shabby 45.8 yards per punt as a rookie while also serving as the Rams’ holder.
Hekker really broke out as a punter in 2013, kicking for a unit that broke the all-time NFL record for net punt average in a season (44.2 yards per punt). This spectacular performance earned him a Pro Bowl berth and first-team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press, Pro Football Writers of America, and Pro Football Focus.
Though Hekker couldn’t match his net average record in 2014, he had a career-high 46.5 yards per punt and completed another two passes for a total of 37 yards. Hekker signed a six-year, $18 million-dollar contract with the Rams (the largest contract ever for a punter), meaning that he should be an important member of the Rams’ team for years to come.
Next: 2. London Fletcher