The decision to keep Jamie Gillan over Britton Colquitt as the Browns’ punter in 2019 was not an easy one. Nor was it well-received by everyone in the media, both local and national. But it’s proven to be the right decision.
Nothing against Colquitt, who is playing well for the Minnesota Vikings. It’s just that Gillan continues to thrive as an undrafted rookie. The “Scottish Hammer” keeps nailing his punts with great hang time and improving ball placement.
Browns special teams coach Mike Priefer remains an enthusiastic supporter of Gillan. Priefer was asked if Gillan is getting better at the finer details of being a punter in his weekly press conference.
“He is. I have told many people and I think I told you guys before that we are just scratching the surface with this guy,” Priefer said of Gillan. “I am starting to find out some of the different things that he can do with the football. I think he had a real good night the other night. He was better as a holder, and he was better as a punter.”
Priefer was especially proud of the pressure punt Gillan hammered out near the end of the Week 11 win over the Steelers.
“The situation at the end of the game, he had a 1.75 get off which is outstanding when we knew they were bringing pressure, and they fair caught it at the 10 and almost dropped the ball. He is doing a really nice job with all the different situations. Very coachable, starting to understand the game better and he is helping us win.”
Gillan is in the top 10 in punting average, both gross and net, in his rookie season.