Aaron Jones reveals how he was immediately impressed by new Packers kicker Anders Carlson
Packers rookie Anders Carlson is already turning heads. Green Bay running back Aaron Jones discussed his first impression of the kicker after meeting him at minicamp.
“Man, this guy can kick. There’s some power. He’s a big guy, too,” Jones said. “The first time I saw him, I was like, ‘You’re our kicker?’ And he was like, ‘Yeah.’ And I was like, ‘Wow, you’re a big kicker.'”
Carlson’s body matches the power of his leg. The 6-foot-5 kicker was the starting placekicker at Auburn for five years. Carlson finished his collegiate career as second in Auburn career field goals made (79), second in career scoring (410) and third in career PAT made (173).
The Packers selected Carlson with the 207th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. It was the first time in 16 years the organization drafted a kicker. The decision came after veteran Green Bay kicker Mason Crosby‘s contract expired at the end of last season. The Packers opted to not resign Crobsy and instead took a chance on Anderson.
Evidently, the young prospect is already doing everything he can to prove the Packers made the right decision.
“He’s always in here talking to me, asking questions. He’s just excited to be here. Bright-eyed, but he’s ready,” Jones said about Carlson.
While Carlson is undoubtedly talented, he isn’t immune to slumps. In his final season at Auburn, Carlson converted just 70.6% of his field goals (12-17), including a subpar 50% from beyond 40 yards. In his last two seasons as a Tiger, Carlson went 0-4 on attempts from beyond 50 yards.
Nonetheless, a collegiate kicker doesn’t get drafted without boasting immense talent. Jones has already seen what Carlson is capable of.
“I believe he can hit 60 [yards] easy,” Jones said. “Scoot him back and let’s see. You’ve got to ask AJ [Dillon]. Me and him were talking and going back and forth. When [Carlsen] was hitting them, I was over there cheering.”
Jones isn’t the only one who see Carlson’s potential.
“He’s got a lot of leg, and I don’t know if you get an opportunity to see that, but he’s got a big-time leg,” said Packers coach Matt LaFleur last week. “I think it’s just harnessing that power and making sure it’s very consistent, but I think he’s shown improvement throughout the course of the offseason.”