ALAMEDA — The Raiders thought two kickers would be drafted this year. One was Eddy Piñeiro. They almost selected him themselves on Day 3.
Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia and Co. felt fortunate when the former Florida kicker fell outside the seventh round, where the Raiders signed him as an undrafted free agent. Piñeiro has drawn attention on Twitter for videos of his field goals stretching over 70 yards, but the rookie seems to be more than just an internet sensation.
His right leg carries both power and accuracy that have been on display throughout the offseason. Though incumbent Giorgio Tavecchio’s kicking experience extends far past Piñeiro’s, the rookie poses a real threat to win the job come regular season time.