Mayobridge’s Charlie Smyth converts 12 of 16 kicks in impressive showing in front of NFL scouts at the Combine

NFL hopeful Charlie Smyth put on a strong showing at the NFL Combine this evening in Indianapolis, converting all but four of his 16 field goal attempts in front of scouts of all 32 teams.
By Kieran Lynch
Published 3rd Mar 2024, 23:50 BST
Updated 3rd Mar 2024, 23:53 BST
Charlie Smyth (second from the right) impressed at the NFL Combine. Picture: Tadhg LeaderCharlie Smyth (second from the right) impressed at the NFL Combine. Picture: Tadhg Leader
Charlie Smyth (second from the right) impressed at the NFL Combine. Picture: Tadhg Leader

During the event, kickers from both the International Player Pathway (IPP) Program and from various US colleges undertook field goal attempts from various distances and angles, showcasing their skills and accuracy.

The interested spectators will take their notes and their footage back to their teams, and if they are impressed with what they saw, Smyth may earn a life-changing opportunity to play professional American football at the highest level.

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Smyth possibly suffered from some early nerves, as he missed two of his first five kicks. But when he settled into a rhythm, he began showing his true ability.

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The Mayobridge man seemed to grow in confidence with each passing attempt, and he converted eight kicks in a row at one stage.

However, he did miss on his furthest-distance attempt, from 60 yards out, by a matter of inches.

College kickers will learn whether or not they have been signed to a professional team when they enter into the NFL draft on April 28, but as the IPP players are free agents, they can be signed at any time.

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As noted by Michael McQuaid of Pro Football Ireland (@Michael_NFL), the chances of an international player forging a career in the NFL are higher now than they have ever been before, as this season, each NFL team must have an international player on their squad. There are 32 opportunities for players to get signed, due to there being 32 teams. Last year, practice squad players earned up to $215k per annum.

Fellow Irish NFL hopefuls Rory Beggan and Mark Jackson also impressed. Beggan made 11 of 16, whilst Jackson made`10 of 16.

Charlie Smyth’s FG attempts:

25 yards, left hash = MADE

40 yards, left hash = MISSED

45 yards, left hash = MADE

50 yards, left hash = MADE

55 yards, left hash = MISSED

25 yards, left hash = MADE

30 yards, left hash = MADE

25 yards, right hash = MADE

30 yards, right hash = MADE

35 yards, right hash = MADE

40 yards, right hash = MADE

45 yards, right hash = MADE

50 yards, right hash = MADE

55 yards, right hash = MISSED

33 yards, centre = MADE

60 yards, centre = MISSED

Related topics:NFLAmerican