Brandon Coutu
Brandon Coutu
The Basics: 5′11″, 187 lbs. 18-23 last year, long of 52 (58 for career). Picked in 7th round, 235th overall.

First Impression: Let’s get this guy a better suit.

College: Coutu [ESPN] came back from a torn hamstring in ‘06 (suffered attempting an onside kick) to have a terrific ‘07. He was twice the Lou Groza placekicking star of the week, once after hitting a 37-yard game-winner as time expired to beat Vandy, and also after hitting two 45+ field goals in a 26-23 OT win over then-#12 ‘Bama. He also nailed a 52-yarder in the Sugar Bowl.

Georgia Omens: Coutu is the second kicker the Hawks have drafted from Georgia, the other was John Kasay, who had four solid seasons with the Hawks and is still kicking for the Panthers. Good omen! The last guy the Hawks picked out of Georgia was the forgettable David Greene, who was released last year after three seasons of him being able to do everything a good quarterback should except throw accurately. Whoops. Bad omen!

YouTube Delights: Few. Here’s an interview Coutu did with a guy who talks too much.

The Analysts Said: Mel Kiper had Coutu as his #1 kicking prospect. Rob Rang identified Coutu as having Pro Potential.

He’ll Be Measured Against: Taylor Melhaff of Wisconsin, the only other placekicker selected in the draft. The Saints took Melhaff in the 6th round, 57 picks before Coutu.

Best Scenario: Coutu beats out Olindo Mare for the Hawks’ kicking job, saving the team some money and solidifying the kicker position for the next four years.

Bust Scenario: Coutu’s hamstrings, which have given him trouble each of the past two years, get hurt again and end the kicker competition before it starts.