Bryce

Baringer

Baringer’s winding collegiate career included a redshirt year at Illinois and even a stint as Michigan State’s team photographer before he ultimately landed the team’s punting gig in 2020. He improved in every season through 2022, which saw him lead the nation in yards per punt (49). Baringer (6'2/216) has a booming leg, but his accuracy and ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory are still a work in progress. The Patriots become the first team since 2000 to draft both a kicker and a punter.

Baringer (6'0/192) originally committed to Illinois in 2017 and spent his redshirt year there before transferring to Michigan State in 2018 as a walk-on. When starting punters Jake Hartbarger and Tyler Hunt went down with injuries, Baringer filled in for four games until they returned to health. He punted 15 times for 486 yards with an average of 32.4 yards per kick. The departure of projected starter Jack Bouwmeester likely factored in Baringer’s decision, as the starting punter competition is now wide open.