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Andres Borregales: Background and College Career
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, and raised in South Florida, Andres Borregales has emerged as one of the most consistent and reliable kickers in college football. His journey to the NFL began at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School in Hialeah, Florida, where he showcased his powerful leg with field goals from 57 and 56 yards. Ranked as the No. 3 kicker in the Class of 2021 by On3 Industry Rankings, Borregales was a three-star prospect with a bright future.
[](https://www.on3.com/pro/news/new-england-patriots-select-andres-borregales-in-sixth-round-of-2025-nfl-draft/)Borregales followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Jose Borregales, a Lou Groza Award winner and former Miami kicker. Joining the University of Miami in 2021, Andres earned the starting kicker role as a true freshman, a testament to his skill and mental toughness. Over his four-year career with the Hurricanes, he appeared in 50 games, making 74 of 86 field goal attempts (86.0%) and an astonishing 183 of 184 extra-point attempts (99.5%). His 2024 season was particularly impressive, as he converted 18 of 19 field goals (94.7%), including a career-long 56-yarder, and went a perfect 62-for-62 on extra points.
[](https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/4/26/24417793/patriots-andres-borregales-2025-nfl-draft-pick-kicker-miami)[](https://www.stateoftheu.com/2025/4/26/24418113/2025-nfl-draft-miami-hurricanes-k-andres-borregales-selected-round-by-the-new-england-patriots)His performance earned him two consecutive first-team All-ACC selections in 2023 and 2024, and he finished his college career as Miami’s all-time leading scorer with 405 points, setting a program record for field goal accuracy at 86%. Borregales also demonstrated clutch performance, converting multiple game-winners and overtime kicks, including three field goals over 45 yards in an overtime victory against Virginia in 2023.
[](https://985thesportshub.com/2025/04/26/patriots-draft-andres-borregales/)[](https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Andres-Borregales-PK-Miami)Growing up in a football family, Borregales was inspired by NFL legend Adam Vinatieri, particularly for his clutch kicks in adverse weather conditions. This admiration for Vinatieri’s resilience in cold environments could serve him well as he transitions to Foxborough, where weather can be a significant factor. His high school and college success, combined with his NFL bloodlines, positioned him as a top kicking prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.
[](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/26/sports/nfl-draft-live-updates-patriots-saturday/)The Draft Selection: Why the Patriots Chose Borregales
The New England Patriots selected Andres Borregales with the No. 182 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, making him the first kicker taken in the draft. This move came after the Patriots traded down from the 171st pick with the Detroit Lions, acquiring picks No. 182 and 228. The decision to draft Borregales was strategic, addressing a clear need at the kicker position following the departure of 2024 kicker Joey Slye, who signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency.
[](https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/news/new-england-patriots-select-miami-andres-borregales-nfl-draft)[](https://x.com/NFL/status/1916221494306148533)Patriots special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer had indicated earlier in the offseason that the team planned to bring in competition for incumbent kicker John Parker Romo. Borregales, considered the top-rated kicker in the draft by many scouts, was an ideal candidate to challenge for the starting role. His connection to the Patriots was further strengthened by his prior relationships with Springer and team executive Alonzo Highsmith, who overlapped with Borregales at Miami.
[](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/26/sports/nfl-draft-live-updates-patriots-saturday/)The Patriots’ draft strategy in 2025 focused heavily on bolstering the offense in the early rounds, with selections like offensive tackle Will Campbell, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and wide receiver Kyle Williams. However, by Day 3, the team shifted attention to special teams and defensive depth. Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf emphasized the importance of addressing key roster needs, and Borregales’ selection aligned with this approach, providing a potential long-term solution at kicker.
[](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6287648/2025/04/26/patriots-nfl-draft-picks-2025-grades-scouting-reports/)While some analysts questioned the value of drafting a kicker in the sixth round, given the NFL’s history of finding capable kickers in undrafted free agency, Borregales’ exceptional accuracy and clutch performance made him a worthwhile investment. His selection also marked the first time a Miami Hurricanes kicker was drafted since Carlos Huerta in 1992, underscoring the significance of his achievement.
[](https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/4/26/24417803/patriots-pick-andres-borregales-kicker-nfl-draft-2025-instant-grade)[](https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/acc/university-of-miami/article303954356.html)Skills and Strengths: What Borregales Brings to New England
Andres Borregales brings a combination of technical proficiency, mental toughness, and proven accuracy to the New England Patriots. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein praised Borregales for his “repeatable stroke and consistent ball-striking,” which are critical for maintaining accuracy at the professional level. His 94.7% field goal success rate in 2024, coupled with a near-perfect extra-point record, highlights his reliability in high-pressure situations.
[](https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/acc/university-of-miami/article303954356.html)One of Borregales’ standout attributes is his clutch performance. Throughout his college career, he demonstrated the ability to deliver in critical moments, such as his overtime kicks against Virginia. This mental fortitude will be essential in Foxborough, where kickers often face intense scrutiny and challenging weather conditions. Borregales has also shown range, with a career-long 56-yard field goal and a 65-yard field goal at his Pro Day, though he’s less consistent on kicks beyond 50 yards.
[](https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Andres-Borregales-PK-Miami)His kickoff ability is another asset, as he possesses the leg strength to produce touchbacks in most conditions. However, some scouts have noted that his hang time on kickoffs could improve, as opponents occasionally returned kicks for significant yardage. Additionally, Borregales has shown athleticism for a kicker, with a 4.90-second 40-yard dash and the ability to make emergency tackles on kick returns, adding versatility to his special teams role.
[](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2025-nfl-draft-tracker-live-round-5-picks-by-team-grades-browns-pick-shedeur-sanders-after-trading-up/live/)[](https://www.primeroydiez.com/2025/04/11/andres-borregales-y-los-5-mejores-pateadores-del-draft-nfl-2025/)While Borregales’ frame (5-foot-11, 199 pounds) is not the largest, his technical proficiency compensates for any physical limitations. His primary area for improvement is consistency on field goals in the 40- to 49-yard range, where he struggled earlier in his career. However, his 2024 performance suggests he’s addressing this weakness, making him a polished prospect ready to compete in the NFL.
[](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/26/sports/nfl-draft-live-updates-patriots-saturday/)Potential Impact on the Patriots’ Special Teams
The addition of Andres Borregales has the potential to stabilize the Patriots’ special teams unit, which has been a point of concern in recent seasons. With John Parker Romo as the only other kicker on the roster, Borregales is the favorite to win the starting job, given his draft status and superior college production. His accuracy and clutch kicking could provide a significant upgrade over previous seasons, where inconsistent kicking cost the team crucial points.
[](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6287648/2025/04/26/patriots-nfl-draft-picks-2025-grades-scouting-reports/)In New England, Borregales will face the challenge of adapting to colder, windier conditions, a stark contrast to the warm climate of South Florida. However, his admiration for Adam Vinatieri and his expressed confidence in handling adverse weather suggest he’s mentally prepared for the transition. The Patriots’ coaching staff, led by Jeremy Springer, will likely work to refine his technique and ensure he’s ready for the rigors of Gillette Stadium.
[](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/26/sports/nfl-draft-live-updates-patriots-saturday/)Borregales’ impact could extend beyond field goals and extra points. His ability to produce touchbacks on kickoffs could improve the Patriots’ field position game, forcing opponents to start drives from their own 25-yard line. Additionally, his athleticism and willingness to engage in special teams coverage could make him a valuable asset in punt and kick return units.
[](https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Andres-Borregales-PK-Miami)Looking ahead, Borregales has the potential to become the Patriots’ kicker of the future, providing stability at a position that has been a revolving door in recent years. If he can translate his college success to the NFL and overcome concerns about his performance in cold weather, he could follow in the footsteps of legendary Patriots kickers like Vinatieri and Stephen Gostkowski. For a team in the midst of a rebuild, Borregales represents a low-risk, high-reward addition with the potential to make a lasting impact.
[](https://985thesportshub.com/2025/04/26/patriots-draft-andres-borregales/)
