I've watched a few NFL preseason games over the weekend and can't figure out why a two-time All-ACC punter and Consensus All-American hasn't gotten a shot in the NFL.
I'm talking about former FSU punter Alex Mastromanno. The same guy who got robbed for the Ray Guy Award.
Mastromanno set a new FSU record for average yards per punt in 2024. He punted 55 times and averaged 49.3 yards per punt. He dropped 17 punts (31 percent) inside the opponent's 20-yard line. His net average per punt was 45.6.
When I look at the top NFL punters from a season ago, here's where he stacks up in those categories:
- No. 2 in net average
- Tied for No. 8 in average yards per punt
There were a few teams who had talks with him like the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints, but nothing materialized as far as I can tell. Mastromanno can kick with either foot, kick rugby style, or while stationary.
He's a huge guy at 6'2" and 240 pounds. I can't fathom why a team didn't at least sign him as an undrafted free agent to compete in mini-camp or something.
The field position game in the NFL is important because there are fewer teams willing to go for it on fourth downs, unlike in college. It's crazy that I can't find any information on Mastromanno signing with any semi-professional teams, either.
His interviews leading up to the FSU Pro Day indicated he was interested in playing professionally. He's originally from Australia, so maybe he went back home to be with family after nothing materialized with any professional teams. I know he could likely help some of these NFL teams, and it's a crime he hasn't gotten a shot to prove it.