The Dude

Maybe not what but why. And why do we need to take up a roster spot for one person to fill that roll? It's hard to imagine that there are that few players out there that can fill that roll. Why can't a player at another position play that roll too? Why can't our center do it?

zachsaints52

Long snapper is the person who snaps to the punter and holder for the field goals and extra points. It is different then a center snap due to the length it needs to get, because any shorter and would be easier to block. The long snapper is different then the regular center because of injury concerns and the fact that long snappers usually really skinny so they can see the punter/holder to get a good direction on the ball. Justin is a very good LS, and Josh Hill has been getting some snaps as the backup.

|Mitch|

Every team dedicates one roster spot for a long snapper, it's not like we're in the minority

Euphoria

Reason being... its bascially a QB/center. Imagine have to throw a pass 10 yards between your legs with your head down. Hell don't imagine it go out there and try it and it has to be whipped like a pass with zip on it because the slower it arrives to the punter the more the punt will be blocked. It isn't easy at all. It is a special skill so it very well requires a spot on the roster much like a K or P does.

jeanpierre

I'm with Dude on this...I've never liked giving a guy who can pass the UPS standard carry package...for as much as Pro-linemen make, they should have a couple of players who can long snap the ball....

ScottF

It's kind of like the relief pitcher who comes in the during the 7th inning- the set up guy's set up guy--- a totally specialized position that for some reason everyone has
Forever it was just your center, and sometimes a tight end. Now these guys do nothing else, and you can't risk them on other ST's.

PS - don't take financial advice from them

Jack Vegas

Ask the 2002 NY Giants about the importance of a good long snapper. There's a reason that just about every single team now has a dedicated long snapper who does nothing else. That wasn't always the case though, a lot of those guys used to be backup TE's or LB's.

SmashMouth

With such large rosters now, it's inevitable that these kinds of specializations occur. Maybe we should go back to smaller rosters?

Halo

One of those positions that seem extremely specialized and wasteful until..... snaps start getting flubbed on crucial field goals, extra points and punts. It's a crucial part of the line that can fold quickly and allow a kick to be blocked if the center is not expert at snapping deep and then holding the middle firm right after the snap.

The Dude

Yes I know, I just think maybe the position could be filled by a back up center or someone. Like I said it can't be something so difficult that it cannot be performed by someone filling another role. I do see yalls point though.