Sam Koch part 2?

[tsylvester]

https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ryan-eckley-sam-koch-ravens-rookie-punter-nfl-draft-2026

Ryan Eckley was drafted to replace departed Pro Bowl punter Jordan Stout, but the Ravens see him being more closely aligned with Stout's predecessor.

Sam Koch punted in Baltimore for 16 seasons and a franchise record 256 games. He's a legend who changed the game forever.

A sixth-round pick just like Koch was in 2006, Eckley is looking to carry on the Ravens' punting prowess, and Senior Special Teams Coach Randy Brown see shades of Koch in Eckley's game.

"Ryan is more of a shot maker," Brown said. "Jordan was more of a home run hitter, then turned into a shot maker with his pooches and with his boomerangs.

"Ryan doesn't have the Sam Koch qualities from '06 to, let's say, '13, when Sam was more of just a directional turnover guy. It's more of the Sam Koch towards the end of his career."

Even though Koch was a revolutionary in the sport, he only made one Pro Bowl. The guys with big-time power and long hang times often get the attention. But the fact was, Koch made life hard on returners with his wide range of punts.

That's what the Ravens expect from Eckley, who led the FBS in punting average at 48.5 yards in 2025.

Eckley gives the Ravens a bunch of different "shots" they can call and hit, which Brown loves because he calls the game the way a catcher does for a pitcher.

"We try to put the ball where the returner isn't," Brown said. "We try to put the ball where the returner's not expecting it.

[oldno82]

If he's as good as Koch, we'll be alright. 

[tsylvester]

If is the biggest word in the dictionary, but yep, all indications are that he can place the ball. Oh and be very consistent with punts, something our last punter was not

[oldno82]

Koch was an artist; Stoudt was a paintball machine. Each was very good at what they did.