Irish in the NFL: Former Notre Dame punter Tyler Newsome No. 1 on Chargers’ depth chart

Former Notre Dame punter Tyler Newsome is No. 1 in our hearts and No. 1 on the Los Angeles Chargers’ depth chart, too.

We could only go so long before talking about our favorite punter in Notre Dame history. An all-time fan favorite with the Irish, Tyler Newsome was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Chargers after the conclusion of the 2019 NFL Draft (a move that I luckily predicted back in February).

After signing with the Chargers, Newsome joined former Notre Dame teammates Isaac Rochell, Jerry Tillery, Drue Tranquill, and Nick Coleman out west and quickly found himself in a position to battle for a roster spot.

Last year, the Chargers struggled mightily in the kicking department, especially punting. They finished the 2018 season 31st in the league in gross punting average (43.3 yards) and dead last in net punting average (38.5 yards).

Both the punter and kicker the Chargers started the season with were no longer on the team by the end of the year, which has opened the door for Notre Dame’s golden boy to fight for the open punting job.

According to ourlads.com, Tyler Newsome currently has the starting punting role — at least for now heading into training camp — which is set to start on July 25th. Over the course of rookie minicamp and OTAs, Newsome has been competing with former CFL kicker and punter Ty Long.

Even if Newsome appears to have the edge right now, there is still a lot of time and competition left before the 53-man roster is finalized at the end of training camp and the preseason.

Though the Chargers seem to have found their placekicker in Michael Badgley, only nine of his 54 kickoffs resulted in touchbacks a year ago. That’s not ideal in a division with players like Tyreek Hill and Dwayne Harris returning kicks.

Outside of taking over holding duties for field goals and extra points, whoever can potentially prove to be a consistent kickoff specialist and force touchbacks will certainly be a clear favorite in this battle. Versatility is the name of the game in today’s NFL, and a punter that can help in every facet of special teams is extremely valuable.

Newsome didn’t have any kickoff experience during his Irish career, but there’s no denying he has the leg to get the job done if need be. Standing 6-3 and weighing 215 pounds, he possesses more than enough power to flip the field and prevent elite NFL returners from getting a chance to make a play.

The power Tyler Newsome displayed in his college career was often-times downright remarkable. Facing Vanderbilt last season, he set the school record for single-game punting average with five boots averaging 59.6 yards. All five punts traveled over 50-yards, with three going north of 60-yards — including a 63-yarder to help seal the win late in the fourth quarter.

It’s no wonder he tops the Irish record books in both total career punts (225) and career punt average (44.1 yards).

Oh, and he also cranked out 30 reps on the bench press during Notre Dame’s Pro Day, which would have been good enough for second at the combine among linebackers this year.

Add in the fact that he definitely has the upper hand in hairstyle over his competition, and it’s pretty clear why Newsome sits atop the depth chart right now.

Notre Dame will miss the talent, energy, and goofy personality that Tyler Newsome brought to the team during his career. Fortunately, we will still get to watch him kick bombs and #DoItForTheBrand at the next level in 2019.