A&M punter Mann a sixth-round pick
Braden Mann fractured his back as a sophomore linebacker at Cy-Fair seven years ago, and at that point, chose to focus on punting and kicking for the Bobcats.
He wanted to do anything he could to play college football, and special teams seemed the best route. Based on that wise decision in high school, however, Mann has earned a chance to take it to yet another level in football.
The New York Jets on Saturday selected Mann, a recordsetting punter from Texas A&M, in the sixth round of the NFL draft. Mann was one of two
Aggies picked in the draft, joining defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who was taken by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round.
The Baltimore Ravens selected Madubuike in the third round on Friday. Receivers Quartney Davis (Minnesota) and Kendrick Rogers (Dallas) and defensive back Debione Renfro (Seattle) signed as undrafted free agents, while defensive back Charles Oliver still is seeking a deal.
Mann could have entered the draft a year ago and likely been selected after averaging an NCAA-record 51 yards per punt in 2018.
He returned for his senior season and averaged 47.1 yards per punt, and set the school record for career average at 48.9 yards per punt.
“Braden is one of the best punters I’ve ever seen, but an even better person, and he’s team-oriented,” A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said. “He saw the big picture, was a tremendous leader and has a great work ethic. He truly affected the outcome of games.”
Mann won the Ray Guy
Award in 2018 as the nation’s top punter, and consistently bailed out the Aggies with his deep boots.
“He’s a truly productive punter, and he can do a lot of things well,” Jets general manager Joe Douglas said of Mann.
The Minnesota Vikings gave Davis $100,000 guaranteed, including a $10,000 signing bonus. The outstanding deal prompted Davis, a former Langham Creek standout, to switch from initial verbal commitment to the Dallas Cowboys to NFC North franchise.
“It’s an exciting opportunity,” Davis said in a telephone interview. “I really love Minnesota. I watched a lot of their games. I’m excited to get there and start my journey and work my way up the depth chart.”