Eddy Pineiro

It isn't often that field goal kickers opt to leave early for the NFL (especially two years early) but then again, Pineiro isn't your average kicker, drilling 29 of his past 30 attempts and leaving Florida as the most accurate performer at the position in school history. Focusing on soccer throughout his early life, Pineiro landed a scholarship from Florida despite only playing in seven high school games. He redshirted his first season in Gainesville, a decision that likely haunted then-head coach Jim McElwain who watched his other kickers convert just seven of 17 kicks in 2015. Pineiro proved to be an obvious upgrade in his first game, nailing a trio of 40+ yard field goals against Massachusetts. While also handling kickoff duties, Pineiro made 21 of 25 field goals, including going a perfect 3-for-3 on kicks 50 yards or longer. He was the most accurate kicker in the country in 2017, successfully converting 17 of 18 fields. He did miss two extra points, including one late in the third quarter against LSU that cost the Gators, which lost the game 17-16. BACKGROUND A standout soccer player at Miami Sunset Senior High School... Played soccer at ASA Community College in Miami prior to enrolling at Florida on a football scholarship... Only played in seven football games in his high school career, primarily handling kickoff duties and extra points for his high school team... Has worked with kicking instructor Brandon Kornblue... Parents are of Cuban and Nicaraguan descent.

in our view

Pineiro's success speaks for itself, though the fact that he left college after just two seasons as a starter is reason enough for skepticism. While smaller than ideal, teams are smarter than to question Pineiro's leg strength based strictly on his size, especially after similarly-built rookie kicker Jake Elliott (5-9, 170) nailed a 61-yarder to beat the Giants.

strengths

Generates impressive leg snap for his frame, pushing the ball into the air quickly with zero blocked over his career. Recorded a long of 54 yards (twice), as well as routinely kicking the ball into the end zone for touchbacks. Made 88.4% of his field goal attempts over the past two seasons, including 94% (17/18) in 2017. Excitable, passionate player known for his celebrations after successful kicks, making him a favorite among fans and teammates... -- Rob Rang 2/8/2018

weaknesses

Comes with a relatively small sample size, only starting two years at Florida and opting to jump at the NFL with two years of eligibility remaining... Possesses a small, lean frame even amongst kickers. While they certainly travel well, Pineiro doesn't boom the ball with the same velocity as competitors with a significant number of his kicks noticeably trailing off to the left. Playing at Florida, Pineiro has not dealt with weather issues and may struggle in a cold weather environment. - Rob Rang 2/8/2018

A standout soccer player at Miami Sunset Senior High School

Played soccer at ASA Community College in Miami prior to enrolling at Florida on a football scholarship

Only played in seven football games in his high school career, primarily handling kickoff duties and extra points for his high school team.

Has worked with kicking instructor Brandon Kornblue

Parents are of Cuban and Nicaraguan descent.

2017

kicking
FGM	PTS	LONG	PCT	FGA	XPM	XPA
17.0	75.0	50.0	0.944	18.0	24.0	26.0

2016

kicking
FGM	PTS	LONG	PCT	FGA	XPM	XPA
21.0	95.0	54.0	0.84	25.0	32.0	32.0