Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Josh Bidwell (Oregon) - 1999 NFL Draft Pick #133 by GB

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Josh Bidwell (1999 NFL Draft)

Josh Bidwell, a standout punter from the University of Oregon, entered the 1999 NFL Draft with a solid reputation and impressive college statistics. Here’s a breakdown of his pre-draft analysis:

Strengths:

• Strong Leg: Bidwell showcased exceptional leg strength during his collegiate career, allowing him to kick the ball deep and consistently.
• Hang Time: He demonstrated the ability to achieve significant hang time on his punts, giving coverage teams a better chance to limit returns.
• Directional Kicking: Bidwell was proficient in directional punting, effectively placing the ball away from returners and minimizing yardage on returns.
• Field Awareness: He displayed good awareness on the field, often making smart decisions under pressure.

Weaknesses:

• Consistency: Although talented, Bidwell had moments of inconsistency in his punting, which could raise concerns for teams looking for reliability.
• Kickoff Skills: His ability to kick off was less developed compared to his punting, which could limit his versatility on special teams.

Overall Assessment:

Josh Bidwell was viewed as one of the top punters available in the 1999 NFL Draft. Scouts praised his leg strength and potential, but noted the need for improvement in consistency and kickoff abilities. Teams seeking a dedicated punter with the potential to develop further would likely consider him a valuable asset.

Bidwell was expected to be drafted in the later rounds, but his skills were enough to warrant attention from several NFL teams in need of a punter.