Pimp the Poll --> Which player will have the biggest impact?

[GMScud]

My hope is that it's Devin Thomas, but I think a safe bet is Hunter Smith. It's been like a decade since we've been ranked higher than 18th in the league in net punting average (1998, Turk).

Hunter is solid on distance, and is also very good at directional punts. In this article, Danny Smith and Zorn talk about how last season they just abandoned calling for directional punts because they knew they couldn't count on the ball going where it should be. Not the case now. Field position is oh so critical.

I think Haynesworth and Rak will add to an already very good D. I'm not downplaying that contribution. But to see our punting game in the top half, maybe the top 10 or better will be so refreshing, and a huge help.

Think of it this way - our defense was 4th overall last year with a garbage punting game (setting up shorter fields to defend), and no ability to pressure the QB. So add Haynesworth and Orakpo (and thus an ability to create sacks/turnovers) and combine it with the ability to pin our opponents. Huge.