Sepulveda a bust?

[steelerchad]

4 years into the league and I think he might be. Certainly not worthy of where we drafted him. Punters are readily available on the open market via free agency and an average of only 2 punters are drafted each year. There have been only 22 punters drafted in the last 11 years, since the 1999 season. We drafted Sep in the 4th round at pick # 112 overall. Only 3 punters during this time have been drafted higher than that spot.

In Sepulveda's 4 year career he missed the entire 2008 season and 4 games in 2010 plus the playoffs. Both of those years we managed to get to the SB without him. Although 2008 were adventures with Berger and Ernster who both were horrible, Kapinos filled in quite well this year. Missing 16 of his first 64 games plus playing in only 1 of 7 possible playoff games due to injury is troubling for a punter. You don't expect this kind of missed time from someone who is only on the field for 5 plays or so per game.

Looking at him statistically, he's middle of the pack IMO. Here's how he's ranked the 3 seasons he's played.
Avg yds. -
2010-7th
2009-24th
2007- 21st

While his yardage ranking was much better in 2010 his touchback to inside the 20 ratio was horrible with only 16 punts inside the 20 while booting 8 into the endzone. To put that into perspective Weatherford of the Jets led the league with a 42-4 ratio and Koch for the Ravens was second with a 39-4 ratio.

When I saw his highlight reel I think I got caught up in his athletic ability and the hit he made in college. maybe the Steelers did too. I guess it's a great safety net to have a punter that could make a tackle, but I don't think it's come into play even once in his short career nor should it really.

Not that I hate Sep, but I just think he's average and I don't think draft picks should be wasted on punters. Not when you can pick one up off the farm in week 13 who can step in and do just as well. I guess this isn't the biggest lack of production we've ever drafted in the 4th round. We drafted Gibson this year in the 4th who we gave away so Aaron Smith could wear sweat pants on the sidelines ala Duce Staley all the way through the Super Bowl.

[zulater]

Was it wise to draft a punter in the 4th round? No. But that ship's sailed, they wont give us the draft pick back for acknowledging the mistake.

So let's just hope that Dan can come back and have an injury free 2011, and be one of the league's better punters, which I believe he's fully capable of if the injuries haven't taken their toll. .

[SH-Rock]

Well we're seeing improvement aren't we?

[TRH]

this is a huge disappointment. Sepulveda is and should have been a complete beast as a punter. Physically, he's the best athletic specimen at the position in the game. On S/T plays, the guy can also knock people into the middle of next week.
Very unfortunate he's been injured. How does a punter keep getting injured like that? It could be his complete downfall....although i think he'll get one more chance (but this will be the last). Hopefully he stays healthy...its still a possibility.

[stb_steeler]

Once a bad ACL allways a bad ACL......doesnt look good.

[Velvet Elvis]

Originally Posted by stb_steeler

Once a bad ACL allways a bad ACL......doesnt look good.

Yeah just look at Frank Gore... Your statement is ridiculous.

[Fire Arians]

sepulveda = martin gramatica

[ncsteeler]

He is an injury bust not talent. But I would let him come into camp, but wouldn't hesitate to cut him if his performances are not markedly better than the competition. Who the hell wants to be hunting a punter in the middle of the year every other season. Tore both acls and one twice or is that 3 times going back to college.

[Neil-Still-Rules-14]

Originally Posted by Velvet Elvis

Yeah just look at Frank Gore... Your statement is ridiculous.

Yeah because comparing a runningback to a guy whose career depends on the brute strength of his legs is fair. Just kidding.

[steeltheone]

Bust is harsh...He has been ok, somewhat productive....Just has never been near what we thought he might be.