Ravens Select Loop as Tucker's Future Hangs in the Balance

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens drafted a kicker for the first time ever in team history, adding more doubt to the situation Justin Tucker 's future in Baltimore.

Baltimore selected Arizona's Tyler Loop In the sixth round on Saturday, this follows Tucker being initially accused of sexual misconduct three months ago. According to the Baltimore Banner, Tucker faces accusations of improper conduct from 16 massage therapists at eight upscale spas and wellness facilities.

The Ravens' officials mentioned earlier that they would determine Tucker's status once the NFL completes its investigation. Tucker has refuted the accusations during two public appearances.

Although the Ravens didn't commit to drafting a kicker the previous week, Loop had such strong faith that he would be chosen by Baltimore that he bought a Ravens T-shirt a few days ahead of time. He wore it right after being picked by the team.

When asked about the pressure of competing against or following in the footsteps of the NFL’s most precise kicker, Loop responded to Baltimore journalists saying, “It feels quite exhilarating rather than pressuring since it provides a target to aim at. We’re always looking to improve ourselves. The pursuit of excellence drives us as we strive to adapt effectively and execute successful kicks. Having the opportunity to emulate someone who has achieved such high standards and potentially competing alongside them or even picking their brain—this genuinely energizes me.”

Renowned for having some of the most powerful legs among prospects in this year’s draft, Loop has successfully made six out of his nine tries from beyond 50 yards, with a long of 62 yards achieved during the previous season. During the NFL Scouting Combine, he demonstrated remarkable accuracy by converting 13 out of 14 field goal attempts (a success rate of approximately 93.3%), culminating his performance with a successful kick from 60 yards.

Two of the kickers that Loop has admired are Nick Folk And Loop observed Tucker in college since he supported Texas.

I really appreciate many aspects of their games," Loop stated. "However, it’s kind of like this: I have stuff to learn from them, yet I possess my distinct approach and techniques for discovering what will lead to success with the Baltimore team, including our kicks, ultimately helping us secure victories.

Tucker, 35, is a seven-time Pro Bowl kicker, but he is coming off the worst season of his 13-year career. He missed 10 total kicks last season.

The NFL's investigation involving Tucker began in February, a source told The News Pulse. He has been accused by the women of sexually inappropriate behavior that included exposing his genitals, brushing some of the women with his exposed penis, and leaving what they believed to be ejaculate on the massage table.

If the Ravens part ways with Tucker, they likely will need to designate him as a post-June 1 cut to split the $7.5 million in dead money over two seasons and gain $4.2 million in salary cap space this year.

The Ravens are the last of the 32 teams in the NFL to draft a kicker.