Derek Dimke Scouting Report

K Derek Dimke (Illinois) - Undrafted Free Agent

We have finally arrived at the final undrafted free agent scouting report of the year. The 19th and final one takes a look at kicker Derek Dimke, who was actually one of the first undrafted free agents to sign with the Detroit Lions following the 2012 NFL Draft.

Experts' Opinions

NFL.com:

STRENGTHS Dimke is an accurate kicker who is also a kickoff option. He was only 10-for-12 on field goal attempts in his senior year, making one kick from 49 yards out. He isn't knocking down NFL doors as a guy who will make kicks from more than 50 yards, but he is reliable from shorter distances and has shown enough to deserve a shot.

WEAKNESSES Dimke is not a strong kicker and didn't attempt any kicks of 50 yards or more in his senior year. A big miss in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl against UCLA won't do anything to help his prospects, but leg strength isn't Dimke's calling card, so accuracy within 30-39 yards is key for him.

ESPN:

Co-Winner of team's Outstanding Special Teams award in 2011. Excellent work ethic and always looking to get better. Has been tutored by current NFL kicker Billy Cundiff, and former NFL players such as Filip Filipovic and Matt Bahr. Strong student.

Stats

2009: 5-5 FG (long of 48), 12-12 XP

2010: 24-29 FG (long of 52), 43-43 XP

2011: 10-12 FG (long of 49), 34-34 XP

Videos

Outlook for 2012

Dimke will serve as the Lions' second kicker during training camp and the preseason so Jason Hanson doesn't have to handle all of the reps. Barring an injury or a shocking decision by the coaches, Dimke will be around only for the preseason and will not make the 53-man roster. Even so, if he impresses the coaches while he is around, he is a player who could be on the short list to be signed in case Hanson gets hurt during the season. Also, considering Hanson's career could be starting to wind down, the preseason could be an audition for the future for Dimke.

More scouting reports: Riley Reiff, Ryan Broyles, Dwight "Bill" Bentley, Ronnell Lewis, Tahir Whitehead, Chris Greenwood, Jonte Green, Travis Lewis, Kellen Moore, Stephfon Green, Troy Burrell, Patrick Edwards, Jared Karstetter, Wallace Miles, Alex Gottlieb, Austin Wells, Quinn Barham, Rodney Austin, Pat Boyle, J.C. Oram, Edmon McClam, Michael Cosgrove, Ronnie Sneed, Carmen Messina, Alonzo Lawrence, Sam Proctor

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