It seems every year a small number of people ask this question so I thought I'd try to put some thought into it. I would appreciate the help of the vet IDP guys for the more traditional IDP scoring opportunities.

1. Terence McGee - Buf - No brainer. Top DB in my scoring system for the last 3 years running. Was actually the top IDP player in 2005 and 2007. I didn't draft him last year as I wrongly assumed he'd concentrate more on CB duties after Clement left. For me, he is by far the most valuable player in IDP as the separation between him and other DB's is huge. If he's there in the 8th round (once I have all my O starters) I'll grab him.

2. Ellis Hobbs - NE - #2 in this category for 2007. Really the only other starting DB with full time return responsibilities. A few things to mention about last year, he only took KRs while Welker took PRs. Also, the Pats were really good so their opposition weren't scoring much which limits his # of returns. For 2008 the concern is the same as McGee last year - the stud CB across from him has left. In Hobbs' case this is less likely to be a concern as the Pats will most likely move Meriweather to the other side and have depth through the draft and FA. He should still be a top 5 DB in this scoring system.

3. Pacman Jones - ? - Nothing finalised as to where he will play, but its assumed that he will be playing in the NFL this year. Difficult to predict until the situation is clearer.

4. Michael Griffin - Ten - Split KRs with Chris Henry last year. Put up decent IDP stats and with Henry likely to leave Ten this season could repeat a top 10 DB performance.

5. Chris Carr - Oak - Only a backup at CB but solid KR #s. Could see even less snaps at CB with Oak adding Hall in FA. Finished just within top 30 DB in 2007.

There are others such as TJ Rushings (IND) Allen Rossum (Pit) and Tramon Williams (GB) but they simply don't see enough time on the field as a DB to justify drafting them. You'd be better starting a WR such as Ginn or Hester as a WR3 if you want to cash in on return yards.

Thanks, kerpow. Hope this proves to be an excellent thread for those of you in leagues that use return yards. Your post is a great start. I'll link the thread in the pinned 2008 Warehouse of IDP Goodness.

Chris Carr is a Tennessee Titan now.

Not sure how that effects his outlook for this year. That article makes it sound like he could see more PT at DB than he was seeing in OAK.

What about Justin Miller? Is he still returning kicks with the Jets?

Leodis McKelvin may go a little higher in rookie drafts for IDP leagues that include return yardage.
in college he returned 7 punts and one kickoff for TDs.
averaged 23.7 on 99 KO returns
and 13.1 0n 112 punt returns
he should be the #1 CB drafted which will probably assure him a starting spot.
add to that return yardage and he could be a stud DB.

He was a stud in '06 but Leon Washington took on KR duty in '07.



I must have missed that one. I'd expect that he will take KRs for Ten thus reducing Griffin's value.



Sounds very promising. Will def. watch this space.

Charles Woodson, Michael Lewis, RW McQaurters, and Allen Rossum all returned punts last year.

In addition to McKelvin among rookies, Rogers-Cromartie is an excellent prospect for returns, Cason has been returning punts for four years, Talib is another possibility, Tracy Porter is probably a lock for returning punts, Tyvon Branch ends my list of the CBs with pretty high grades who are also accomplished return guys. I may be missing a safety or two. The kid from Notre Dame, Zbikowski is a very tough return guy, but that may be his only translatable talent, and without ever seeing it, the fast riser from Arkansas State, Tyrell Johnson, is reportedly a special teams standout, which doesn't necessarily mean returns.

Does he replace McGee now? Or do they split KR and McKelvin does PR? Or does McKelvin do just PR while McGee keeps KR? Or...... open tryout? THE MADNESS!!!

A rookie cover-2 corner that may be returning kicks? Nice.

My $.02

McGee does kicks and McKelvin does punts. McGee is a stud and very sure handed and explosive. Why hand that role to a rookie if you have a Pro-Bowl option already?

Also, MJD should still be doing KR in Jacksonville. Makes him a stud in leagues that reward return yardage.

I like Carr in Tennessee.

Great thread, guys. Thanks.

Roscoe Parrish should remain the primary punt returner. He averaged 16.3 yards per return last year.

I hate that situation in Buffalo. I just traded Philip Rivers, Jamaal Anderson and my 2nd round rookie pick for McGee and Chester Taylor (as insurance of AD) and now might have to consider to draft Leodis McKelvin with one of my first round picks in the upcoming rookie draft.

This is the IDP version of owning Willie Parker.

McGee has been gold in Zealots for me, but the return yards have been key. I think I'm going to try to move him in the rookie draft, see what I get. Then I'm loaded at DB.

Yes, it pains me.

Felix Jones to Dallas also complicates things as he's likely to take return duties away from Pacman who we expected to take this role.

Even Hobbs may have a reduced role with the Patriots taking Terrence Wheatley and Matt Slater who both have return experience.

Who among the rookies figures to be a return guy for their new team?

Just reading Bloom's post on the FBG blog:

CB Leodis McKelvin becomes the first cornerback off the board; and likely starts a run on cornerbacks in the next part of the 1st round. McKelvin may not have played at a big program (Troy), but his game film is impeccable and he more than held his own at postseason bowls and workouts. He’s a physical cover corner with fluid hips and, most importantly, is a special PR/KR to boot. The Bills get help at corner and the return man they were desperate for.

Bills have an embarassment of riches at PR/KR. McGee, Roscoe Parrish, and now McKelvin are all likely better than at least half the league's starting returners. So they weren't at all desperate for a return man. I think McKelvin was drafted for his cover skills (they do face Tom Brady and Randy Moss twice a year) But I have no idea how or if they plan to use McKelvin as a returner this year.

yeah, there was no desperate need for a returner in Buffalo. Roscoe Parrish led the league in punt return average and McGee is a Pro Bowl kick returner. last year once Clements left there was some talk of taking McGee off the kickoff returns since he was their best corner, but now with McKelvin around their 2 best corners are probably their 2 best kickoff returners. they also have enough depth at CB now that they shouldn't need to sweat an injury to one of them that much.

Sorry for the hijack and in the wrong forum, but can you please shed some light on this for me?

Cheers.

I think there are rumors of Henry violating the substance abuse policy again

Yes, I think I heard something about this, though I may have been a little over dramatic to say "likely to leave". Of course when it is just rumors its easy to see how everyone can confuse him with his Bengals WR namesake.

Bump for preseason

So, any change to the situation after Leodis put his skillz on display last night? Or is he just keeping that seat warm for McGee until the season starts? McGee is a beast for me in my league that gives return yards, but if he's going to lose that to McKelvin, who looks to be another strong Returnguy™, then I need to take a look at Leodis.

if he keeps performing like that, it will be tough to keep him off the field. With McGee currently set as the #1 CB, the team might want to protect him a bit and let the rookie handle kickoffs. I expect they might even put both guys out there at times. Tough to say for sure, but I think McGee still would have the edge. That may not last for long though.

This is because Justin Miller was injured early in the season I think. Justin has sick speed and he is a starting CB now, so if he does have a chance to return some this could help his value, in leagues that allow it obviously.

looks like the bears have got danieal manning taking some of hester's returns, and he's looked pretty good, although san fran gave him some breaks on crap tackling.

the next mcgee?

I'm at my draft now. Any news on McGee? Is it worth the risk as the #1 DB?

IMHO Manning will spell Hester.

Jauron said that McGee would still be the primary returner but he was happy to have depth since they tend to get banged up throughout the season. I think there are better DB options out there, but I don't know how important return yards are in your scoring system.

dont be so sure Miller is a starting CB. They have a rookie named Dwight Lowery who is already a better cover corner and playmaker than Miller imo, and Mangini is going to give him a legit shot at the starting spot opposite Revis. Tonights game against the giants is going to have a huge impact on that starting spot.

Quentin Demps, PHI - KR. 101 yd TD this week.

Here's Mike Herman's preseason update on all things returner.

I took McKelvin as a returner with my last pick in my IDP league, but I'm also keeping an eye out for Brian Witherspoon in Jax. Bit of a long shot, undrafted FA, D-II (Stillman College), undersized, but reportedly faster than Chris Johnson. Last I heard he was on the bubble, still not sure if he'll make the squad. Didn't get in Saturday night's game until the 4th, but he's an exciting return in every game so far.

Any Jags homers want to chime in?

Some intriguing line items in that report.

Oakland

* KICKOFFS: rookie DB Tyvon Branch

Philadelphia

* KICKOFFS: rookie safety Quintin Demps

Seattle

* KICKOFFS: CB Josh Wilson



Might there be some deep sleeper potential here in terms of DB return men?

Looks like Pacman Jones will be reinstated.

So....not too many starting/3rd CBs who return kicks. More points in kick returns.....

I got McGee, Hobbs and Pacman(as 3rd CB for now). Anyone else?

From fantasy points perspective, who would lead out of Hobbs and Pacman?

Thanks.

Hobbs may not return kicks. Pacman is not starting at CB yet, although I think he will at some point. I'm really not sure about McGee. they do have options in Buffalo now, although I don't think they are as good as McGee is.

With Chatman suspended and Miller hurt, Is Leon doing all the returning or will Revis be getting a share of them ??

and to add to that...is CB dwight lowery starting? FBG depth charts show him as a starter whereas others show barnett as the starter...will lowery return punts? he did some in preseason and I believe he returned one for a TD if I am not mistaken...any insight would be greatly appreciated

When did that happen? Thought he was a pretty safe bet to be KR for the Pats?

haha...I don't know when it happened, but they drafted a guy who returns kicks, picked up a corner from cincy who returns kicks, and probably need hobbs in the secondary, so I'd guess it's true.
I wouldn't expect more than limited return duty at best.

Well that sucks.

Herman has posted his Returnguys column for week one if anyone else is as confused as I am.

Link

I can't find the exact link but Yahoo posted this ###-bit:

Sep 4 Eric Williams, of the Tacoma News Tribune, reports Seattle Seahawks CB Marcus Trufant is a candidate to return punts Week 1.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6347/news

Most likely because Burleson is WR1 in Branch and Engram's absense. Could be useful.