Daniel Carlson NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Minnesota Vikings' Pick

POSITIVES

—Excellent on long field goals and has NFL-caliber leg.

—Consistent throughout his mechanics, which leads to high kick percentage.

—Has experience punting, and he handled kickoffs for Auburn.

—Handled unfriendly environments in SEC without issue.

—Big-game, big-moment kicker with great poise.

NEGATIVES

—Accuracy regressed in 2017 (down to 74.2 percent).

—Warm-weather kicker untested in elements.

OVERALL

Carlson isn't the type of kicker you worry about breaking down mentally. He's consistent, accurate and has handled his business in a rough SEC for four years. The three-time Lou Groza Award finalist doesn't have elite leg strength, and he has to answer for his drop in accuracy this past year, but he's the best kicker in this class.

GRADE: 5.70 (Round 5)

PRO COMPARISON: Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots