Harbaugh said Tucker was aware the Ravens might draft a kicker.
“He was in this week kicking and working out,” Harbaugh said. “He already understood.”
Harbaugh added that he was impressed watching Loop’s tape.
“He’s good. He’s a talented guy,” Harbaugh said. “He’s strong, and he’s very consistent with his leg swing. He’s a kicking nerd, you like to see that. He’s really into every detail and technique. He’s studied Justin a lot, a lot of other guys too, and he’s studied our operation. I know he’s excited, too.”
Loop was asked how much pressure he would feel trying to succeed Tucker, the most accurate kicker in NFL history.
“I think it’s really exciting more than pressure,” Loop said. “Just because it would give me something to shoot for. Getting to follow in the footsteps of a guy like that, who’s been so elite, get to compete with him and maybe learn from him, that gets me fired up. I’m ready to get up there and start competing and finding ways to win games and make kicks.”
Loop said his calling card is being a student of the craft and he does not believe kicking in cold AFC North climates would pose problems for him. The Ravens have a long track record of grooming kickers, and Loop will be the next.