Mel Kiper makes bold declaration about Penn State punter Jordan Stout

Punters and kickers might not get as much attention when it comes to the NFL Draft, but ESPN expert Mel Kiper has his eyes on Jordan Stout out of Penn State.

Stout began his collegiate career at Virginia Tech before transferring to Penn State in 2019. He did not have any punts in three games in 2019, but he made two of his three field goal attempts. In 2020, he punted 33 times, averaging 41.5 yards per punt. Stout also made two of his five field goals that season.

This season, Stout saw plenty of time both at kicker and punter for Penn State. Punting wise, he had 67 punts for 3,083 yards, averaging 46 yards per punt. He also made 34 of his 36 extra point attempts and 16 of his 23 field goals.

After a strong performance at the Senior Bowl, Mel Kiper views Stout as an intriguing punter in the 2022 NFL Draft.

“Averaged 46 yards a punt, his directional skills are outstanding, he showed that in the game,” Kiper said of Stout ahead of the NFL Draft. “He was booming 50 plus yarders on a regular basis, he had touch, he didn’t have any touchbacks. He had fair catches and he was able to do the job in terms of the directional ability.”

Punters aren’t usually picked with premium draft positions, but Kiper believes that Stout could find himself picked on draft night maybe a little earlier than some would expect.

“Jordan Stout from Penn State is my number one punter,” added Kiper. “I wouldn’t be shocked if he went in that fourth round, early day area. You need a punter that’s going to be big time. He can do that.”

Stout’s comments when declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft

When Stout declared for the draft, he released a heartfelt statement to Penn State’s fans, coaches, and everyone else involved in his journey.

“I really can’t find the right words to express how incredible my time in State College has been and how honored I am to have played at such an incredible place,” said Stout. “From an early age I always dreamed of playing sports on the big stage. Little did I know I would be playing on one of the biggest stages in all of sports. To each individual I played with both at Virginia Tech and Penn State, I love you guys and I appreciate how you pushed me each and every day to be the best I can be. I wouldn’t be here without all the support and love from my teammates.

“Coach Franklin, Lorig and Raisbeck, you all taught me how to be a leader at the highest level. Not only on the field, but off as well. You helped me reach heights I never thought I could, both as a player and as a person. It means so much that you took a chance on a kicker/punter from small town southwestern Virginia.

“Nittany Nation, the love, encouragement and continuous support you have shown me during my time at PSU has been unbelievable. I can’t think of a better fan base in all of college football. I wish I could personally thank each and every person who has supported me along the way.”