Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Options for Fixing the Kicking Game

Offensive line and defensive back headline the needs for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the kicking game certainly cannot be ignored, as the Steelers embark on a kicker search for the second time in the past six months.

Shaun Suisham proved to be another surprise from a chilly Tuesday in November for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who also found Jeff Reed in the same circumstances during a 2002 tryout. Suisham kicked exceedingly well for Pittsburgh, hitting all of his extra points and 17 of 20 field goals.

But Suisham was only given a one-year contract and may be looking for a better deal now that he's proven his worth. Here are five possible options for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they look to find a kicker for 2011.

1. Shaun Suisham (Pittsburgh)

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Shaun Suisham #6 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs off of the field after missing a field goal attempt against the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington

Why

Why not re-sign the current kicker? As I noted before, Suisham nailed 17 of 20 kicks last season and made every extra point (which should be a given for any NFL kicker). He steadied the kicking game after a tumultuous season of Jeff Reed misses.

Suisham, if you look at the statistics from last year, possesses good accuracy and decent leg strength. It's worth noting that he didn't have a field goal blocked last season and also that he did not seem to struggle with the notorious conditions at Heinz Field (he was six of seven at home).

Not to mention that, after years of Jeff Reed's off-field shenanigans, it was nice to have a quiet, non-controversial kicker on the roster.

Why Not

Two words define the key reason why Suisham may not be re-signed by Pittsburgh: kickoff length. Field position is such an important part of any team's game plan. With a shutdown defense like Pittsburgh's, pinning a team deep consistently is an excellent weapon.

Suisham, for all his success on field goals, seemed to have no leg for kickoffs. They were consistently at the 15 or 20 when they touched a returner's hands, and he recorded only four touchbacks during the season.

Beyond that, his contractual demands could keep him away from Pittsburgh. The team does not make a practice of overpaying for kickers and got slapped in the face after franchising Jeff Reed last year, only to released him after nine games.

2. Alex Henery (Nebraska)

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LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 13: Alex Henery #90 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers kicks an extra point against the Kansas Jayhawks during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska Defeated Kansas 20-3. (Photo by Eric Francis/

Why

Henery has a career field goal percentage of 91.5 and has missed only one extra point in four college seasons at Nebraska. Playing in Heinz Field, the NFL's consensus most-difficult kicking stadium, accuracy is a major key to success.

Henery also possesses a strong leg and can hit the long field goals as well as keep his kickoffs consistently deep.

If you're looking for an extra strength, Henery is also a fair punter. With the question marks that Pittsburgh has around that position (Daniel Sepulveda's torn ACL, Jeremy Kapinos' impending free agency), it would do Pittsburgh good to have someone in camp who can be a dual threat.

Why Not

Drafting kickers is a very inexact science. Many have had great collegiate careers and then been duds in the NFL (Mike Nugent anyone?). Some can take a long time to develop consistency at the highest level.

The Steelers traditionally do not draft kickers. Henery is the best available at the position, so he'll likely have his name called sometime in the sixth or seventh round. There's always a perceived shortage of kickers in the league. Pittsburgh certainly isn't the only team looking to upgrade at that spot.

3. Adam Vinatieri (Indianapolis)

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Adam Vinatieri #4 of the Indianapolis Colts kicks a successful 50-yard field goal in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in India

Why

He's the epitome of solid and clutch. Vinatieri is one of the league's most accurate kickers in history and certainly among its most excellent when the game is on the line.

Vinatieri's accuracy is particularly important thanks to harsh conditions in all AFC North stadiums (where Pittsburgh plays 11 games per season). He's no stranger to kicking in the elements, having spent a great portion of his career in New England.

He's not the youngest kicker in the NFL, but he is probably going to be one of the most sought-after for teams looking to upgrade their placekicking. He certainly still has a ton of value left and several years too if he can stay healthy.

Why Not

Age. Leg strength. Those two factors are very important when doling out contracts, particularly in a labor climate like this. Vinatieri isn't young anymore. That doesn't mean he's no good, it just means he's not going to be a long-term fix for anyone at this point.

His leg strength is starting to waver slightly, although that may be due more to a string of injuries (another concern to have) than anything. He's still got a strong leg, but he's not going to boom kickoffs anymore.

His contract terms will be high too. He's one of the best known specialists in football and he certainly won't come cheap. How much Pittsburgh is willing to commit to the position will be very important if they choose to make this pursuit. Vinatieri will only lower his price if he thinks this is his best chance to compete for another title.

4. Matt Prater (Denver)

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DENVER - SEPTEMBER 19: Place kicker Matt Prater #5 of the Denver Broncos attempts a field goal from the hold of Britton Colquitt #4 against the Seattle Seahawks at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 19, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated

Why

Prater is a big kicker with a big leg. He's nearly automatic inside 40 yards and has the strength and accuracy to hit longer kicks with regularity too. His kickoff numbers are excellent too.

Prater is still young and has been a reliable weapon throughout his NFL career. He could be a steal since his name isn't as popular or well-known as Vinatieri or Ryan Longwell.

Why Not

There aren't a lot of reasons why not to sign Prater. His numbers compare favorably and he's got experience kicking outdoors in tough conditions.

The only worry is that some of his accuracy and leg strength numbers are inflated by playing a mile high in Denver, but his home/road splits still look pretty good and consistent.

In short, this is the best option for the Steelers if they don't want to draft someone or spend big bucks on a name like Vinatieri.

5. Josh Jasper (LSU)

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 20: Josh Jasper #30 of the Louisiana State University Tigers against the Ole Miss Rebels at Tiger Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Why

Jasper is a consensus All-American selection and had an excellent pro day performance. His leg strength is excellent and his accuracy, despite a pedestrian 2010 season, is among the best.

His kickoffs are consistently deep and he does not appear to struggle with harsh conditions, although his resume in this respect is quite short.

He won't likely be selected before the last round of the draft (he's behind Alex Henery on virtually all draft boards) and may even slip into undrafted free agency.

Why Not

That pedestrian season in 2010 is worrisome only because of the accuracy concerns Pittsburgh has about kickers in its stadium.

That's basically the worst of it. If Jasper can allay concerns about a drop in accuracy and play up his great pro day and his All-American status, he'll be kicking for an NFL team somewhere in 2011.