Why Trenton Gill landed in a good spot with Chicago Bears
There were two NC State football players selected in the NFL Draft last week. All-American left tackle Ikem Ekwonu was taken with the sixth overall pick by the Carolina Panthers. Then in the seventh round, the Chicago Bears took NC State All-ACC punter Trenton Gill.
Ekwonu is a lock to make the Panthers roster. He is likely to sign a four-year deal worth $27.5 million with a $17.2 million signing bonus, all fully guaranteed. There will also be a fifth-year option for the Panthers.
As The Wolfpacker has already examined, Ekwonu seems destined for a starting role, probably at left tackle, for Carolina.
What about Gill?
Despite being a seventh round pick, there is a clear chance for Gill to emerge with a starting job himself with the Bears.
Why Trenton Gill Landed In Good Place
After eight seasons punting for Chicago, Pat O’Donnell bolted in the offseason during free agency for one of the Bears’ biggest rivals — the Green Bay Packers. O’Donnell averaged 46.2 yards per punt last season in Chicago.
Heading into the NFL Draft, the Bears only move to address O’Donnell’s departure was adding Ryan Winslow. Winslow punted in four games last year — two for the Carolina Panthers, once with Arizona Cardinals and one for Washington.
Collectively, Winslow averaged 39.1 yards over 16 punts. In 2019, Winslow played a pair of games for Arizona and booted six times for an average of 48.5 yards.
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That represents Gill’s current competition for the Bears’ starting job.
Gill, who will receive his master’s in the spring, pinned 30 punts inside the 20 last season, nine more than any other kicker in the ACC. The former walk-on averaged 44.4 yards on his 65 punts during the season.
Gill’s career average of 45.8 yards per punt is a NC State football record, breaking Johnny Evans’ mark of 44.0 yards that has stood since 1977. He chose to turn pro rather than use a potential super senior year for the Wolfpack, a decision that appears to already be paying dividends.
Gill should have a good opportunity to win a job with Chicago. If he does land a job as the Bears’ punter, he becomes the second Wolfpack alum at his position kicking in the NFL.
A.J. Cole was an undrafted free agent in 2019 but won the Raiders’ punting job in training camp. In 2021, Cole signed a four-year, $12 million contract. He made first-team All-Pro in 2021.
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