While the biggest story with kicker Justin Rohrwasser, who the Patriots selected in the fifth round, is his controversial tattoo, he was the first kicker selected in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Marshall product was the Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Year in 2019 after converting 18-of-21 field goal attempts with a long of 53 yards, while going 35-of-36 on extra points.
"I'm very talented," were his first three words on his conference call with the New England media Saturday, which came in response to being able to directionally place kickoffs.
His career-long was actually a game-winner against Western Kentucky after they took two straight timeouts to try and ice him.
"You've got to make sure that every kick is the same kick," Rohrwasser said. "You never want to go into a kick thinking that it's a big situation. Everything's routine. It should be routine. You've done it a hundred times. You block out all the nerves and you rely on your fundamentals. I think that just comes from training yourself mentally to be ready for big-time situations. I've been fortunate that I was a goal keeper when I played soccer, so it's a high-pressure position. Transferring over to kicker was a smooth transition, so I can use a lot of the same skills to block out nerves and just rely on what I know how to do, which is kick."
Before Marshall, Rohrwasser spent two years kicking at the University of Rhode Island, so he has a good idea of the Patriots' culture.
"As far as Patriots fans, I was there (in 2016) when they won the Super Bowl and the whole campus was basically on fire. It was unreal. The fan base is fantastic and loyal and it's a great spot. I'm so happy to be there," he said.
As for the type of person the Patriots are getting?
"I think they're getting a hard worker and somebody who is going to chase after the best version of themself and a good teammate," Rohrwasser said. "I want to do my best in order to help the team win."
Right now, Rohrwasser is the only kicker on the roster, so he will be given every opportunity to replace Stephen Gostkowski, who was released this offseason.
