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2014 Kick and Punt Returner thread (1 Viewer)

Which scoring system for *individual* player return yards have you used the most often?

  • 1 point per 5 return yards

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • 1 point per 10 return yards

    Votes: 13 25.0%
  • 1 point per 15 return yards

    Votes: 2 3.8%
  • 1 point per 20 return yards

    Votes: 13 25.0%
  • 1 point per 25 return yards

    Votes: 16 30.8%
  • 1 point per 30 return yards

    Votes: 4 7.7%
  • 1 point per 35 return yards

    Votes: 1 1.9%
  • 1 point per 40 or more return yards

    Votes: 3 5.8%

  • Total voters
    52

GregR

Footballguy
Starting up a new thread where I can edit the original post so it can be a place for updates and links when needed.

This is a place for discussing all matters in the return game. Information on the subject frequently gets less coverage from the media, and team choices on returners are sometimes at the mercy of other roster considerations. This can make it more difficult to get good information than, say, who a team's starting RB will be.

So if you spot any news items, hear quotes from a coach or what you think is worthwhile discussion on radio or elsewhere, please post it along with a link whenever possible.

Team writeups on the returners are done and will be there when the 2014 content goes live. There will be a section of the rookie overview devoted to rookie returners as well.

The preseason returner projections can be accessed directly at http://subscribers.footballguys.com/apps/return-projections.php.

The regular season weekly returner projections can be accessed by going to the page for that week's content and following the link. On the FBG front page, click on the "Click Here for Week 1 Content" link (or whichever week it is) and the link to the returner projections will appear there when available. Or you can just bookmark the projections page here.

Link to Cheif's returner Depth Chart

You can also enter your scoring system into MyFBG and have the return fantasy points included in your MyFBG content.

 
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Copying some posts from another thread:

Rating the NFL draft prospects: Specialists

The Journal Sentinel's Bob McGinn assesses the top specialists in the draft this week. Included is each player's height, weight, 40-yard dash time and projected round.

KICK RETURNERS1. ODELL BECKHAM, WR, Louisiana State (5-11, 196, 4.40) – Returned punts all three years (62), averaging 9.0 and scoring twice. Main kickoff returner in 2013 after backing up in 2011-'12. Career mark of 24.9 on 42 runbacks. "He's got a ton of experience," one coach said. "Strong, fast, athletic, productive. When he gets a seam he goes full speed. He covers ground as he makes moves. Good hands."

2. JUSTIN GILBERT, CB, Oklahoma State (6-0, 200, 4.36) – Returned kickoffs all four years, averaging 26.3 and scoring six TDs (one short of FBS record) in 102 attempts. "He can create yards on his own," one coach said. "He can make you miss. He's got really good ability to anticipate blocks. This guy's reckless. Love this guy." All eight punt returns (6.9) came in 2010. "He muffed too many (kickoffs)," the coach said. "That's what he has to overcome. He can judge the ball."

3. DE'ANTHONY THOMAS, RB, Oregon (5-8½, 174, 4.39) – Brought back 73 kickoffs for 25.8 average and four TDs, and 16 punts for school-record 17.1 mark and one TD. "He's a kickoff returner who has to develop as a punt returner," one coach said. "I mean, he's got to do it. He's a long ways away. As far as making plays, this guy has scored five times in three years. Similar career numbers as (Trindon) Holliday. He's got to be reliable catching punts and making good decisions." Started at RB in 2013. In three seasons, he rushed for 1,890 yards (7.8) and 26 TDs, and caught 113 passes for 1,296 (11.5) and 15 TDs. Epitomizes big-play threat: scored 13 TDs of 30 yards or more. "Thing about him, where do you play him on offense?" one coach said. "Or do you draft him at some point to be the returner? He tracks and catches the ball very well. Good feet, great first step, good quickness, runs hard for his (size), has a lot of confidence in his hands." Third-year junior from Los Angeles. Scored 14 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test.

4. DRI ARCHER, RB-WR, Kent State (5-7½, 175, 4.23) – "Now I know it's Kent State but it don't matter," one coach said. "Speed is speed. He's as fast as anybody I've ever seen coming out." Started 21 of 47 games, sitting out '11 because of academic woes (Wonderlic of 19). Returned 51 kickoffs for a 28.2 average and four TDs, including a Mid-American Conference record of 36.9 in 2012. Has just six punt returns (1.3). "He's really exciting but really little," another coach said. "He's a running back-type guy, but I don't know where you put him. Had a ton of production." Rushed for 2,342 (7.2) and 24 TDs, and caught 99 passes for 1,194 (12.1) and 12 TDs. "For his size his ball security was good," another coach said. "For a little guy he gets behind his pads. He's got everything you want as a punt returner. Now he's got to do it." From Laurel, Fla.

5. BRANDIN COOKS, WR, Oregon State (5-9½, 187, 4.33) – Put on a show at the combine, dominating shuttle runs and blazing a 4.33 40. Returned all eight of his kickoffs (22.4) in 2011 and all 12 of his punts (6.0) in '13. "It's a reach," said one coach. "He doesn't even know what he's doing back there. He just starts a-runnin', starts free-lancin'. This guy's a game-changer. There's no reason why he can't be one of those guys. He'll be doing it (returning)." Nicknamed "Sonic Boom." Said another coach: "Incredible speed, outstanding quickness. Makes people miss all the time. Dances a bit too much. He's got a huge up side."

6. JALEN SAUNDERS, WR, Oklahoma (5-9, 169, 4.44) – Returned 20 of his 31 punts in 2013, when he had TDs of 91 and 64 yards. Averaged 15.0 and scored three TDs in career on punts but never returned a kickoff. "Basically a one-year guy," one coach said. "He could be your top punt returner and I see him working his way into kickoffs. The size for kickoffs is always a concern even though his ball security was good." Started 30 of 48 games as a WR, catching 203 passes for 3,085 yards (15.2) and 26 TDs. Played 2010-'11 at Fresno State before transferring. Wonderlic of 16. "Really good suddenness and short-area elusiveness," the coach said. "He can make plays on his own but not going to do a lot of creatin' yards after contact," From Elk Grove, Calif.

7. GEORGE ATKINSON, RB, Notre Dame (6-1½, 218, 4.45) – Ran back kickoffs for TD against Michigan State (89 yards) and Southern California (96) as a freshman in 2011, becoming first Notre Dame player since Allen Rossum in '97 to have two scores on KOs in a season. Returned school-record 88 in three seasons, averaging 24.3, but never returned a punt. "He's better than Golden Tate," one coach said. "He's north-south, one cut and hit it. He needs to build speed. You've got to get a piece of this guy because this guy will run through contact." Father, George, was a successful CB-S-returner for Oakland and Denver from 1968-'79. Wonderlic of 12. Never carried more than 93 times in a season and had just 10 receptions. "Little bit in the doghouse there at times," said another coach. "Got a little bit of a bad rap. He has a chance to be a very good kickoff returner. Don't know if he can catch punts." From Stockton, Calif.

8. TRAVIS CARRIE, CB, Ohio (5-11½, 205, 4.47) – Three-year starting cornerback with nine interceptions. Returned 56 punts for 11.8 average but brought back just one kickoff. "Day 1 he competes as your starting punt returner," one coach said. "He can develop into a kickoff returner. Nice size. Runs well. Ball security was OK. He fits the profile both ways." Has undergone open heart, hip and shoulder operations. Not only medical risk but also has off-field problems. From Antioch, Calif.

9. JOHN BROWN, WR, Pittsburg (Kan.) State (5-10, 175, 4.36) – From Homestead, Fla. Played as a freshman at Mars Hill (N.C.) in '08. Sat out '09 because of academics (Wonderlic of 15), redshirted at a junior college in '10 and surfaced for the Division II Gorillas in '11. Returned 93 punts for 12.7 average and three TDs and 81 kickoffs for 26.2 and three scores. Also caught 212 passes for 4,006 (18.9) and 41 TDs. "He's a smaller, real fast guy," said one coach. "I got him more as a punt returner than a kickoff returner. He's lost at least three fumbles on hits. That's a knock in my mind."

10. JERICK McKINNON, Georgia Southern (5-9, 208, 4.38) – Quarterback-turned-running back in a triple-option offense, finished with 3,899 yards rushing (6.3) and 42 TDs. Only return experience was four kickoffs (18.5). Led all backs at the combine with 32 reps on the bench press. "Obviously, he's a projection," one scout said. "Really good athlete, but I thought he'd have a lot more quickness. His Senior Bowl wasn't very impressive. Real raw. He's got the skill set to do it. Mentally, is he a guy that would work hard at it?" Wonderlic of 24. From Marietta, Ga.

OTHERS: Marqise Lee, WR, Southern California; Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson; Tre Mason, RB, Auburn; Lamarcus Joyner, CB-S, Florida; Corey "Philly" Brown, WR, Ohio State; Brendan Bigelow, RB, California; Josh Huff, WR, Oregon; Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina.

Read more from Journal Sentinel: http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/specialists-in-nfl-draft-bring-strong-skills-have-room-to-grow-b99255497z1-258382861.html#ixzz31WdQo1ay
Follow us: @JournalSentinel on Twitter
 
NFL Draft 2014 position analysis: How much will Sammy Watkins, Justin Gilbert factor in on special teams?

By Darryl Slater/The Star-Ledger

on May 06, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/05/nfl_draft_2014_position_analysis_how_much_will_sammy_watkins_justin_gilbert_factor_in_on_special_tea.html

Exclusively special teams players usually don’t play a big role in the NFL Draft. Most of the special teams players acquired on draft weekend are picked up as undrafted free agents. Last year, just three kickers were drafted – two in the fifth round and one in the sixth. One punter was drafted, in the fifth round. Long snapper is a fairly important niche position in the NFL, but last year, none of them were drafted, which is pretty typical. Don’t expect this year to see a repeat of 2000, when the Raiders picked kicker Sebastian Janikowski 17th overall.

THE PROTOTYPE

Devin Hester will be remembered as one of the most dangerous return men ever, but he is now 31 and on the down side of his career. The Bears opted not to re-sign him after last season, and he went to the Falcons. Last season, rookie Cordarrelle Patterson of the Vikings emerged as the league’s best kickoff returner. He brought back two for touchdowns. Andy Lee of the 49ers has rated among the NFL’s best punters recently. Justin Tucker of Baltimore and Matt Prater of Denver stood out among kickers in 2013.

THE TOP 5

Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson, 6-foot-1, 211 pounds

40 time: 4.39

In addition to being the best receiver available in this draft, Watkins also compiled gaudy return stats in college. During his three seasons, he averaged 25, 19 and 20 yards per kickoff return. He returned 33 of them as a freshman, including one for a touchdown. Kickoff returns aren’t a huge part of the NFL anymore, but Watkins is an asset in this area.

Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU, 5-foot-11, 298 pounds

40 time: 4.38

He averaged 26 yards per kickoff return last season. In 2012, he return two punts for touchdowns. And he did all of this under the tutelage of Thomas McGaughey, who was LSU’s special teams coordinator and now has that role with the Jets. Might this help Beckham’s cause in the Jets’ draft room? They need a receiver, remember.

Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State, 6-foot, 202 pounds

40 time: 4.37

In each of his first two years, he returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. In each of his final two years, he returned one. He returned 32 kickoffs as a junior and 18 as a senior, so it was an integral part of his game. He also happens to be probably the best cornerback available in this draft.

Dri Archer, RB, Kent State, 5-foot-8, 173 pounds

40 time: 4.26

Archer beat out Brandin Cooks, John Brown and Gilbert for the best 40 time at the NFL Combine this year. He didn’t play against stiff competition, but he had four kickoff returns for touchdowns, including one last year (on just two returns) and three in 2012 on 17 returns. Archer’s 40 time at the combine was the second-fastest since the NFL began officially recording the times in 1999. Chris Johnson, the Jets’ new running back, holds the record – 4.24.

BEST OF THE REST

De’Anthony Thomas, WR, Oregon, 5-9, 174; 40 time: 4.50

Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State, 5-9, 189; 40 time: 4.33

Bernard Reedy, WR, Toledo, 5-8, 174; 40 time: 4.44

John Brown, WR, Pittsburg State, 5-10, 179; 40 time: 4.34
 
Right now it looks like Cooks has the least competition for kick/punt return roles that were handled by Sproles last season.

Buffalo has McKelvin on punts and Goodwin on kick returns. So not sure if they use Watkins at either of those or not.

The Giants had Randle on punts and Cox on kick returns. This seems like it may be more open for Beckham to earn a spot than Watkins.

Dri Archer and John Brown may be used on kick/punt returns as well.

Any other rookie players who might see time on returns we should be looking at?

 
Right now it looks like Cooks has the least competition for kick/punt return roles that were handled by Sproles last season.

Buffalo has McKelvin on punts and Goodwin on kick returns. So not sure if they use Watkins at either of those or not.

The Giants had Randle on punts and Cox on kick returns. This seems like it may be more open for Beckham to earn a spot than Watkins.

Dri Archer and John Brown may be used on kick/punt returns as well.

Any other rookie players who might see time on returns we should be looking at?
Justin Gilbert should get a look for the kick returner job in Cleveland. Edit to add: They have a few options including guys back from injury so it will probably be a competition.

Beckham should compete with Trindon Holliday on the Giants for kick and possibly punt returner. Even if Holliday wins the jobs his ball security issues could give Beckham the job down the road. Quintin Demps is there as well so could be in the mix at kick returner.

Panthers return situation is a mess. Corey Brown is a UDFA so a long shot, but could get a shot at punt returner.

Demps and McCluster are gone from KC, so DeAnthony Thomas has a great chance of being the punt returner and a good chance at kick returner too.

Right now I have Jalen Saunders as the most likely to return punts for the Jets, and possibly compete for kick returner.

John Brown has to compete with Ted Ginn and the team could always go back to Peterson and Mathieu, though it sounds like the injury to Mathieu last year has them wary of the injury risk, part of why they brought in Ginn. Right now I've got Brown as just backing up Ginn on punts. Ginn's dropped off on kick returns a bit the last 2 years, so that might be a spot Brown could slot in ahead of him more easily.

Edit to add: I left out Travis Carrie in Oakland, and also George Atkinson who is a longer shot there. I've got Carrie with a good shot at winning the punt returner job there though not entirely sure who all they'll give a shot at the job. Both could compete at kick returner too.

 
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Article this morning that mentions the Bucs had rookie Charles Sims returning kickoffs. Though it's a rookie mini-camp so the most likely returners, Eric Page and Jeff Demps, wouldn't be present.

For rookie mini-camps, the only thing I normally read out of hearing someone was doing return stuff is just to put them on my radar as someone the team looked at, but I don't assume it makes them a contender for the position. Sims is a good example, he only had 4 returns in college so wan't a guy I was predicting to compete for the starting job unless it's a team without any obvious options at the position. But now I'll try to remember keep my eye out for news of him when training camp opens.

 
Here are a few potentially notable returners who changed teams.

Ted Ginn is in Arizona.

Devin Hester went to the Atlanta Falcons, as did Javier Arenas.

Trindon Holliday and Quintin Demps went to the New York Giants.

David Reed is now a 49er (though the GM gave LaMichael James a vote of confidence as a kick returner a vote of confidence during the draft).

Tandon Doss is in Jacksonville now.

LeGarrette Blount is in Pittsburgh, but if he does kickoffs it might just be backing up Dri Archer.

Jacoby Ford is on the Jets.

Darren Sproles is an Eagle.

DeSean Jackson is in Washington, but at present it didn't sound like they plan to use him on punt returns. They don't have any outstanding options though, so it's conceivable that could change down the road.

Dexter McCluster is in Tennessee competing with Leon Washington and Marc Mariani.

Golden Tate is in Detroit where he wants to return punts but I'd expect Jeremy Ross will be handling all the returns.

Darius Reynaud and Josh Cribbs are unsigned free agents. I saw a blurb Cribbs was hoping to be back with the Jets but it hasn't happened. Jim Leonhard is also unsigned and said he'll be retiring after 2014.

 
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Couple of other rookies I had missed setting the rookie flag on in my spreadsheets:

Chris Davis and Marion Grice on the Chargers. Davis was the Auburn player who returned the missed field goal to beat Alabama. He's a UDFA and a punt returner, while Grice is a 6th round RB who may get a shot at kick returner. Grice is still recovering from an injury.

Greg Reid is technically not a rookie as he went undrafted last year due to ACL tears, but the Rams signed him as a free agent this year. He'd have Tavon Austin ahead of him of course, but just a guy to keep an eye on when camp opens. He sounds so much like a Jeff Fisher player that I could see him playing his way into a roster spot.

 
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I scoured the depth charts and here's what they have as current #1s.

Punt Returners

Arizona Ginn, Ted U/Car

Atlanta HESTER, DEVIN U/Chi

...
Just a heads up, we try to keep the depth charts up to date in the offseason, and the obvious stuff like Hester and Ginn changing teams are going to be reflected already as you can see. Though it's tough since the team's don't have a depth chart until training camp.

Any non-obvious outright predictions that deviate from last year's depth chart, are not reflected in the FBG depth chart yet. I just finished those Friday and we are still syncing everything up.

As an example, I'd expect Andre Roberts or Chris Thompson to be the punt returner in Washinton over Santana Moss, who ended the season with the job.

 
Right now it looks like Cooks has the least competition for kick/punt return roles that were handled by Sproles last season.

Buffalo has McKelvin on punts and Goodwin on kick returns. So not sure if they use Watkins at either of those or not.

The Giants had Randle on punts and Cox on kick returns. This seems like it may be more open for Beckham to earn a spot than Watkins.

Dri Archer and John Brown may be used on kick/punt returns as well.

Any other rookie players who might see time on returns we should be looking at?
The Giants signed Q. Demps and T. Holiday in the offseason so Beckham may not be used in the return game

 
Rookies Among Kick Return Options
Scott SmithSenior Writer/Editor
http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Rookies-Among-Kick-Return-Options/7984becf-3475-467d-8f6d-538a7bb14943

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a long way from deciding who will return punts and kickoffs for them during the 2014 season, but it's never too early to start auditioning candidates.

For about half of the players who took part in the Buccaneers' rookie mini-camp on Friday and Saturday (Sunday will be limited to walk-throughs and classroom work), the whole weekend is one big audition. The two-dozen players participating on tryout contracts are hoping to prove they can add something to the 90-man roster and extend their stay in Tampa at least to training camp.

That's less of a concern for Charles Sims and Robert Herron, Tampa Bay's third- and sixth-round draft picks, respectively. Sims and Herron already have their roster spots and are strong bets to make it through to the 53-man roster, as well. Still, the more they can offer the team on game day, whether it be on offense or special teams, the greater the chance they'll have a role of significance when the real action begins.

Thus, Sims spent part of the weekend returning kickoffs while Herron got a lot of work fielding punts. Sims has a gliding but still powerful style of running that would seem to be well-suited to kickoffs while Herron has the sort of quick-twitch moves and rapid acceleration that might pop the occasional big play on punts.

Neither player has an extensive history in their chosen role. Sims returned four kickoffs for 53 yards at West Virginia last year and was not used in that capacity during two seasons at Houston. Herron hasn't returned punts since his high school days. Still, the Buccaneers have reason to believe they can take on those duties at the NFL level.

“With new guys coming in, we searched their history a little bit, to see what they’ve done, from Pop Warner on," said Head Coach Lovie Smith. "Charles has returned, feels comfortable with the kickoffs. I wanted to know if he’s ever returned punts – he hasn’t. If you have good hands, normally you can do a few things, and we’ll keep working on that.”

Herron had a trial by fire on Friday when camp began, as a windy day contributed to more dropped punts than Smith would like to see. However, he did much better on Saturday and is likely to continue to be a strong candidate for that job.

“He didn't do a lot in college, but he has been working on it," said Smith. "He caught the ball better today than he did yesterday. I was a little concerned, to say the least, yesterday. But today was better for the guys. It was windy, but as I told them, there’s going to be a couple windy games that we’ll be playing this year too. [There was] improvement, not only from Robert, but from a couple of the guys. We’ll just keep looking at guys and hopefully someone will step up.”

Undrafted free agent Solomon Patton was one of the other rookies who got a chance to field punts over the weekend, and of course that field will expand when the OTAs begin next week and veterans are added back into the mix. Wide receivers Eric Page and Skye Dawson and running back Jeff Demps all returned kickoffs last season and are sure to be part of the competition going forward, and Page is also the incumbent punt returner.

Herron anticipated being a part of that competition wherever he landed in the NFL, and so he spent time during the run-up to the draft practicing the deceptively difficult art of catching punts. Even so, it may take him a little while to get comfortable in that role again.

“Yeah, [i'm] kind of getting used to it, adjusting to it," said Herron. "It’s hard to judge those things, especially when you haven’t done it in so long. I’m trying to get back in the feel of that.”

 
If Harvin is truly returning kicks and punts, he's a top-10 WR in my return yardage league. I'll be monitoring that situation quite closely.

 
If you guys haven't noticed it yet, MyFBG is including returner projections in the preseason projections area now. You have to set the returner scoring up for your league, of course. It won't show the stats in the output but there is a blurb at the top to confirm the output includes return stats.

 
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Something to keep an eye on in IDP leagues. Seattle is giving both Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman a chance at returning punts, along with others including Percy Harvin. Punt returns are not nearly as lucrative as kick returns, but can still give a boost, especially depending on scoring.

 
There some speculation in the media that Brandon Tate might not make the Bengals roster this year. If not Adam Jones would probably move into the primary returner role. Dane Sanzenbacher is a guy who will get a chance if so.

I would think Tate would get a shot as a returner elsewhere if he does get cut.

 
I love following threads like this.

Below are some under the radar prospects that have an excellent shot to be returners:

Chris Williams - 4.28 speed that Trestman poached off the Saints PS late last season. Was a CFL star who took 6 returns for TD's one season including 2 against Trestman in one game. Trestman lured him from the Saints to the tune of a 100k signing bonus. Has added value as an accomplished slot receiver. His highlights are impressive.....

http://youtu.be/MEDRSRZgHQs

Michael Ford, a 2nd year RB from LSU, is another impressive physical specimen that will compete at RB. If I had to guess, Williams will be the PR with Ford returning kickoffs.

Alan Bonner - Late round pick by the Texans in 2013 who spent his rookie year on IR. Has slot skills as well, and the Keshawn Martin experiment has been a disappointment. People close to the team reported that Bonner has impressed O'Brien all off-season. Explosive with the ball in his hands.

http://youtu.be/TeT7i7A5G_E

Kealoha Pilares - The Panthers KR two season ago. Was on IR last season with ACL plus Ginn took the job. Former 5th rounder with elite physical metrics. Won't be surprised if he spends a lot of time at WR either. Easily the most athletic / explosive WR currently on the roster. Will likely compete with Barner for the KR job. Potential to pull double duty at KR and PR.

http://youtu.be/3keBzhOtknA

http://youtu.be/5Mx04TcSCxI

http://youtu.be/fecIepjktT8 (at WR)

Josh Boyce

Bernard Reedy (explosive PR that has to make Falcons roster first)

Albert Wilson (Chiefs UDFA)

 
I'm in an auction draft right now and have to draft a returner. 1 pt per punt, .5 per kr, 1 pt per 10 yards, 6pt TDs with bonuses for TD length. Since we won't know about many of these situations until after I have to draft, are there any safe bets to return both kickoffs and punts for their team? I've put in bids for De'Anthony Thomas and Justin Gilbert so far. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

 
I'm in an auction draft right now and have to draft a returner. 1 pt per punt, .5 per kr, 1 pt per 10 yards, 6pt TDs with bonuses for TD length. Since we won't know about many of these situations until after I have to draft, are there any safe bets to return both kickoffs and punts for their team? I've put in bids for De'Anthony Thomas and Justin Gilbert so far. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
As you say, it is difficult to say this far out, but here are a few with good shots at returning both types:

Dwayne Harris

Devin Hester

Jacoby Jones

Tedd Ginn

Jeremy Ross

Eric Weems

DeAnthony Thomas

Marcus Thigpen

Micah Hyde

 
MJD was fielding punts for the Raiders. Though lots of players field punts early in training camp who never end up being the punt returner or even necessarily in much contention for the job. So I just mention it as something to keep an eye on.

Jalen Saunders and Jacoby Ford both worked as kick returners. I have Ford penciled on kickoffs and Saunders on punts going into camp. If Saunders can beat out Ford there he could end up being a returner who handles both punts and kickoffs.

Vikings came out and said Patterson is staying on kickoffs.

Beckham, Cruz and Reuben Randle were returning punts for the Giants along with Trindon Holliday. I don't think it's a given Holliday sticks on the team, so some potential for skill position players getting return points if one of them lands the job instead.

 
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JoeSteeler said:
is Kyle Wilson returning kicks and/or punts?
Probably not. Jacoby Ford, Jalen Saunders, and Clyde Gates are the three that you hear the most about being in competition for the returner jobs, and Gates is probably a longer shot than the other two.

I will be surprised if Saunders doesn't end up the punt returner. Kick returner is probably more undecided.

 
JoeSteeler said:
is Kyle Wilson returning kicks and/or punts?
Probably not. Jacoby Ford, Jalen Saunders, and Clyde Gates are the three that you hear the most about being in competition for the returner jobs, and Gates is probably a longer shot than the other two.

I will be surprised if Saunders doesn't end up the punt returner. Kick returner is probably more undecided.
thanks Greg.

 
Speaking of kickoff returns, it looked like the Bucs were auditioning half their roster Monday. When the Bucs worked on that area, eight different players took turns lining up as return men. In addition to Demps, Eric Page, Chris Owusu, Charles Sims,Solomon Patton, Skye Dawson, Robert Herron and Lavelle Hawkins took turns returning kicks. Page held the job last year, but the Bucs clearly are looking at all alternatives. http://espn.go.com/blog/tampa-bay-buccaneers/post/_/id/5305/buccaneers-camp-report-day-4
 
A lot of these situations are so up in the air until the end of camp, when drafting it's definitely worth sticking with the surer things.

Chris Rainey was cut by the Colts for disciplinary reasons. He was in the running as a returner. Donte Moncrief might be the guy who benefits most, competing with Griff Whalen.

Edit to add: Fozzy Whittaker was signed by the Panthers as well. They have a very unsettled group of returners, wouldn't be surprised to see Fozzy at least splitting time at kick returner if he makes the team.

 
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LOCATION OF RETURNER PROJECTIONS ON THE SITE

I mentioned earlier that projections in myFBG or just viewing projections from the regular pull down menus include the return projections now. You can set your scoring in your league in myFBG.

If you check RB or WR projections you'll see it mention:

NOTE: even though they are not displayed, kick and punt return projections ARE factored into the fantasy point projections. For a full list of returner projections, go here.
Just follow the link to get to them directly.

 
Texans sign Joe Adams, who failed to hang on the Panthers as a returner.

Packers likely lose Abrederis to a torn ACL. There was talk Micah Hyde might lose the return jobs due to increased importance on defense, so we'll have to see how this affects things. Myles White was fielding punts with Abrederis and Cobb, so might be one to watch on punts. DuJuan Harris may take over the starting kick return job.

Chargers put a depth chart out that has Donald Brown as the kick returner and Eddie Royal as the punt returner. Receiver Javontee Herndon is listed amongst the backups at both positions. Marion Grice, who got a bit of press about potentially landing a return job, isn't shown.

 
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  • Jerick McKinnon, Adam Thielen, Marcus Sherels, Jarius Wright, Kain Colter and Erik Lora started off practice participating in punt return drills. Marcus Sherels was an obvious stand-out with Adam Thielen doing good as well. Erik Lora was the only guy who dropped one as far as I could tell. This ended up being a theme throughout practice and he dropped a couple more on the day. LINK
 
Also, Tandon Doss was hurt on Friday. With Ace Sanders getting suspended, Doss has a wonderful opportunity to lock up the punt return job if this injury doesn't hold him back. Jaguars suffering a lot of losses lately.

 
Most teams don't have depth charts out yet... I believe the NFL probably only requires them to put one out before their first preaseson game, so the Chargers updating theirs this weekend was a nice surprise. The Giants and Bills have one out since they play tonight.

Giants have Demps as the KR and backing him up Holliday and David Wilson (who is out injured right now). Punt returner: Holliday, Randle, and Jernigan.

Bills have KR as Goodwin, Graham, Watkins, Spiller, and PR as McKelvin, Nickell Robey, and Woods.

 
Sounds like Cleveland doesn't want to risk Justin Gilbert to injury on returns. So that probably makes Buster Skrine and Jordan Poyer the backups to Travis Benjamin for kicks and punts.

 
Mike Thomas listed ahead of Keshawn Martin at both returner spots on the Texans first depth chart.

Broncos have Wes Welker ahead of Jordan Norwood and Isaiah Burse on their depth chart at PR.

 
Andre Roberts is the Redskins likely starter at KR and PR, as well as being locked into the #3 WR spot. Great chemistry with RG3 so far and after we unexpectedly signed Desean Jackson (after Roberts had already signed here to be our #2 WR) he resolved to contribute in any way possible and is looking like a big upgrade at PR/KR so far.

 
Right now it looks like Cooks has the least competition for kick/punt return roles that were handled by Sproles last season.

...
I'm surprised this hasn't gotten more mention in the Cooks thread, he might actually be asked to return punts. He's getting reps with a few others.

Cadet should return as KO man.

 
Washington has a depth chart out, Roberts as the KR and Santana Moss at PR with DeSean Jackson backing him up.

Saints currently have Cadet on their new depth chart as both KR and PR with Cooks backing him up. I agree there's a good chance Cooks takes over punts. Going from memory, I think I have the returns split between them fairly evenly in my projections.

 
Washington has a depth chart out, Roberts as the KR and Santana Moss at PR with DeSean Jackson backing him up.

Saints currently have Cadet on their new depth chart as both KR and PR with Cooks backing him up. I agree there's a good chance Cooks takes over punts. Going from memory, I think I have the returns split between them fairly evenly in my projections.
The depth chart they released doesn't really reflect what's been happening in practice, Roberts has been the most effective returning punts as well. He and Gruden have both addressed that they won't mind if he wins both returner spots, in regards to his role as the 3rd WR as well.

 
How high does Cordarrelle Patterson go in a 1 point per 10 return yards league?

How about Harvin, especially if he's the KR and PR.

 
Have had some discussions around the differing levels of uncertainty for returners vs skill position players. Going to be making some changes to try help account for that better as the return stats end up in the final player rankings. The changes will be most noticeable at the top end as a result.

That's always one issue with projections, you only get to use a single number which has to reflect the range in which you think the player might finish. While often a "most likely" number gets used for skill players, with returners being more volatile, we're discussing being more conservative.

 
How high does Cordarrelle Patterson go in a 1 point per 10 return yards league?

How about Harvin, especially if he's the KR and PR.
A full time punt returner can easily add 300+ yards and a top one might go over 600. A full time kick returner can easily add 800 yards and the top ones can reach over 1500 yards.

So if you're also using 1/10 rush/rec yards, you're treating the player as if his return yards are rush/rec yards. In that system, Patterson had 400 more yards last year than Calvin Johnson, though of course not as many TDs, so that gives you an idea of the kind of movement to expect in that scoring.

The big question on both of those guys is how many returns they'll get. Patterson is a tough case in that he has an increased role on offense which could reduce his returns, though the team has said they want to use him on returns and get the ball in his hands. His returns even have room to go up if they keep him back there, as he only had 2/3 of the Vikings returns last year. But it's also possible one or two injuries to other receivers could make them decide they can't risk him. So he might be equally as likely for 500 yards as he is for 1500 yards.

Patterson was a big part of the discussions I just mentioned where we decided to go a bit more conservative than I had originally. If he stays on returns he's probably at least a top 4 receiver in such a scoring system and could be #1 if he does well enough as a receiver. But given his return stats could vary over a wide range even if healthy, we don't want people neglecting the volatility of the return stats when they see his spot in a final ranking and over-drafting as a result.

 
Supposedly Seastrunk has been begging for a shot on returns in Washington and fielding punts in practice. Would love to see him on KO returns...

 
Good to see Greg Reid getting some return chances in preseason for the Rams. He's a guy I think could be a good option to pair with Tavon Austin for when they don't want to risk Austin to injury.

Josh Huff had a kick return touchdown for Philly. He's 2nd on the depth chart at present, and used to play for Chip Kelly. Don't think he did much on his other 3 returns though.

De'Anthony Thomas had a punt return touchdown for the Chiefs. They have Knile Davis ahead of him on kick returns, but not sure that is going to last.

 
Supposedly Seastrunk has been begging for a shot on returns in Washington and fielding punts in practice. Would love to see him on KO returns...
If they are willing to trust Seastrunk on punts that says very good things about his hands. Which was a big question mark about him. Even if Roberts wins the job.

Adam Thieland seems like a lock to make the team.

  • Wide receiver Adam Thielen continued to win praise for his work on special teams, after returning three punts for 53 yards and making a tackle for a 4-yard loss on a punt at the end of the first half. Thielen was visibly upset he didn't score on his second return, which went for 26 yards, but special teams coach Mike Priefer said that was just a matter of Thielen making one more move. "He is probably disappointed that he didn’t score on the one, but that’s something that a young punt returner, that’s a mistake they are going to make," Priefer said. "He saw the seam and he just went for it full speed. He’s got to kind of dip and go to the outside or widen them and go back inside but it was a very, very well-blocked play." Priefer said Sherels is still entrenched as the Vikings' punt returner, but with Sherels fighting a hamstring injury, it's not bad for the Vikings to have another option they trust. http://espn.go.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/8161/vikings-camp-report-day-12
 
Rookie Jets punt returner Jalen Saunders, who I wouldn't be surprised if he also gets a piece of kickoff returns before the year is over, was in a car accident this morning and was taken to the hospital. Though initial comments are about him missing this week's game but not saying things that make it sound more serious, so hopefully he'll be fine for the regular season.

 
Mike McCarthy talking about he needs to stop worrying about injury to his starters and use the best players, which could help Cobb's chances on returns.

Panther Kenjon Barner was traded to the Eagles. Rookie Philly Brown looks like he's doing a good job to lay stake to the Panther's return jobs. Pilares is another guy in competition there but he hasn't really amounted to much as a returner in his time in the NFL.

Eric Weems was cut by the Bears, and they signed Damian Reynaud who has been a very good returner in the past.

Isaiah Peade injured and possibly lost for the year.

Richard Sherman is listed as Earl Thomas's backup at punt returner on the Seahawks depth chart.

I keep waiting for Tandon Doss to get opportunities on punt return for the Jaguars. He's had injuries limiting him in practice, and William Blackmon is the guy that is filling in for Ace Sanders right now. If they don't give Doss a try out there it will leave me shaking my head though.

 
Tyrann Mathieu was just taken off the PUP list, aiming for a week 1 return. Not sure what exact role he will play on ARI special teams.

 
Any updates on starting WR or RB who are going to do KR or PR

Also any starting IDP doing KR or PR

Right now all i know is Patterson and Harvin who are probably going to be doing KR

 

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