What's next for Irish kickers at NFL Combine? 

Rory Beggan at the NFL Combine in Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

Pic: ©INPHO/USA TODAY Sports/Kirby Lee

GAA goalkeepers Rory Beggan, Mark Jackson and Charlie Smyth were all in action at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Sunday in a bid to impress club scouts and earn a roster spot.

Their chances are raised thanks to the NFL's International Player Pathway Program, an initiative launched by the league to develop international prospects and expand the league's global reach. The IPP recently expanded to include kickers and punters.

Player Pathway Kicker Mark Jackson at the NFL Combine in Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

The group have been training at the IMG Academy in Florida for a number of weeks in preparation for last weekend.

At the Lucas Oil Stadium, Monaghan’s Beggan, Wicklow’s Jackson and Down’s Smyth trialled alongside college kickers. They changed distance and angles continuously. Some attempts were with a kick stick ball holder, others involved a human snapper and holder.

The group started from the 25-yard line and gradually moved back. All three missed from 60, but converted from 55. They also performed kick-off drills and onside kick attempts before concluding.

Rory Beggan, from the @officialgaa to the NFL combine! 🏈🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/kbACiD1wMa

— NFL UK & Ireland (@NFLUKIRE) March 4, 2024

As free agents, the trio can now be approached at any time by American football outfits. The new season will start in September. Former Connacht player Darragh Leader was due to take part in punting on Monday but a slight niggle means he will instead kick at a pro day in Florida later this month.

The physical trial is just one part of the process. There are also several interviews with clubs. On social media, lead coach of the kicking/punting group with the NFL International program Tadhg Leader praised the group’s performance.

Charlie Smyth at the NFL Combine in Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis Pic: ©INPHO/USA TODAY Sports/Kirby Lee

“Proud of these lads,” he said. “It’s been a crazy couple of months for all involved. I couldn’t ask for a better group to pioneer this and represent. Thanks for the continued support from home and around the world. Things are just getting started.”