by Justin Melo
Interviews
Brayden Narveson Draft Networking Interview: 'I Want The Game In My Hands'
It may not be the flashiest pick on NFL draft weekend, but kickers are a vital part of the game and they’ve become even more important over the past couple of seasons.
One of this year’s top prospects at the position is former NC State kicker Brayden Narveson, who will be vying for a spot in somebody’s draft class in the coming weeks.
Narveson spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about how he balances mental technique with physical abilities, which NFL teams are showing interest in his services, his decision to transfer from Western Kentucky to NC State, and more.
JM: How do you look back on the decision to transfer from Western Kentucky to NC State?
Brayden Narveson: I think it was a great choice. I ultimately began my career by playing Power Five football at Iowa State. I made that transition to Western Kentucky from there. I knew I was good enough to play Power Five football again.
I had one remaining year of eligibility and I wanted to conclude my college football career by playing at the Power Five level again. I gambled on myself by accepting an opportunity to play in the ACC.
I wanted to help NC State win. I loved my experience there. I loved every second. NC State taught me a lot. My lone season there allowed me to grow as a person and as a player. From that aspect, I wouldn't change that decision for the world.
JM: What’s one thing you can do as a kicker to improve deep accuracy? You made a 57-yard field goal at NC State this past season. Teams love kickers with a strong leg.
Brayden Narveson: Statistically speaking, that’s an area of my game that I believe needs improving. I have the leg strength and things of that nature. I’ve worked with a few different kicking coaches over the past few months.
We’ve been talking through those longer kicks and where I’ve missed them. We’ve changed my aiming point a little bit. I’m feeling as comfortable as ever from distance. There’s this kicking camp, it’s actually a Combine of sorts for kickers hosted by coach Gary Zauner.
Coach Zauner is one of the most well-respected kicking coaches around. He holds a combine-like event for all of the draft-eligible kickers. I attended and I actually won the competition he holds by making consecutive kicks from 51, 54, 57, and 60.
I’ve definitely seen a big improvement from distance. I’m excited to showcase that at the next level.
JM: How do you balance finding the right fit between technique and mental awareness?
Brayden Narveson: Mental awareness has never been an issue for me personally. I know I’m the best kicker in the country. I’m not afraid to say that. For me, it’s all about confidence.
Kobe Bryant has this outstanding quote where he missed a bunch of game-winning shots and they asked him why he kept shooting. He replied with, “Because every time I shot, I thought it was going in.”
I’ve adopted that same mentality. I really analyze my misses from a technique standpoint. It’s never an emotional thing. When you remove emotion from that process, you better analyze it technically. That allows me to play at my best.
JM: That’s the right mentality to have. Does “icing” the kicker actually work?
Brayden Narveson: I personally don’t believe it does. It’s one of those things that a lot of coaches think works. Some kickers might tell you it works on them. Others will tell you it’s a blessing to be iced.
I like being iced. It gives me a chance to get out there on the field. When that timeout gets called, I’ve already done the hard part. The hardest part is that initial run out to the field. Feeling that energy, it just allows you to go out there and calmly make the kick.
At the end of the day, it depends on the kicker. It doesn’t impact me personally.
JM: Have you met with any NFL teams throughout this process, whether virtually or in person?
Brayden Narveson: I have. I met with a few teams at the Hula Bowl and at the Tropical Bowl. I’ve spoken with more teams since then. I met with the Packers, Buccaneers, and Eagles during the all-star circuit. There were a few more, but my memory betrays me right now. I’ve had a bunch of conversations with teams. They’ve told me where they might go with a kicker in the draft.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We’ve appreciated your time. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Brayden Narveson?
Brayden Narveson: If a team is looking for an NFL kicker that’s going to be a Pro Bowler, a kicker that’s going to win them games, I’m their guy. You can trust me to make kicks from anywhere on the field.
I want the game in my hands. If you’re looking for that kicker, you need to draft me.