NFL GM claps back after media criticism of former second-round kicker Roberto Aguayo

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers spent a second round pick on kicker Roberto Aguayo in 2016, and he missed nine field goals and two extra points as a rookie.

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Reports from the Bucs' offseason camp weren't too promising about Aguayo, either. The team brought in veteran Nick Folk to compete with Aguayo, and Folk was at one point having a better camp.

Related: Second-round kicker Roberto Aguayo reportedly still struggling with his accuracy following disastrous rookie year 

However, Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht said the media reports on Aguayo's struggles are overblown.

Licht said Aguayo has improved during the offseason.

"Roberto is actually getting better," Licht said according to Sports Illustrated. "And we're excited that he actually has progressed from where he was from last year."

Licht said Aguayo missed field goals on the team's skinny goal post, but he performed much better on a different practice field.

Bucs head coach Dirk Koetter said there is a competition between Aguayo and Folk, but he thinks it's a good thing.

The Bucs are appearing on HBO's Hard Knocks this year, so everyone will get a chance to see if Aguayo has progressed by the preseason.

Licht might not want to bail on Aguayo already since they spent a second round pick on him, but if he continues to struggle into the fall, his job could be in jeopardy.

(h/t CBS Sports)