Punt and Kickoff Returners '08 (1 Viewer)

[Mike Herman]

A decent article on some returnerguy draft candidates to get this topic started...

Call it the "Devin Hester Effect." The Chicago Bears took a calculated gamble two years ago by drafting Hester in the second round almost entirely because of his kick-return skills. Hester has responded by returning four punts and seven kickoffs for touchdowns in his first two seasons. Now teams across the NFL are searching for players with similar game-changing ability on special teams.

And it helps explain why Troy cornerback Leodis McKelvin could get taken as early as the first round in April. McKelvin returned seven punts for touchdowns in his college career, including three during his stellar senior season. "There are some issues with him playing corner," said Frank Coyle of www.draftinsiders.com, referring to questions about McKelvin's technique and level of competition in college. "But he's going to come in and return punts and kicks and do it well. So I think that in itself has to move him up one or two rounds." Coyle rates McKelvin as the No. 43 overall prospect in this draft class, and other draft boards have him going late in the first round. Boise State offensive tackle Ryan Clady, UCF running back Kevin Smith and Houston wide receiver Donnie Avery – another potential special-teams demon – are the only non-"Big Six" league players rated ahead of McKelvin.

McKelvin isn't the only senior who should benefit from the NFL's increased emphasis on special teams. The days of return men with Cribbs' potential going undrafted probably have ended for the foreseeable future. Utah State wide receiver Kevin Robinson isn't in Mobile this week, but he should catch the eye of any NFL scout looking for an elite returner. Robinson averaged 16.2 yards on 401 touches to set an NCAA career record for all-purpose yards per play. He led the nation in punt return average (18.9) this past season, ranked sixth in kickoff returns (29.3) and scored two touchdowns – one on a punt return and one on a reception – in last week's East-West Shrine Game.

While Robinson won't be playing in the Senior Bowl, there a few other potential NFL return men joining McKelvin in Mobile. Avery and Purdue wide receiver Dorien Bryant each returned kickoffs for touchdowns this past season. Notre Dame safety Tom Zbikowski scored on three career punt returns, and Virginia Tech wide receiver Eddie Royal returned two punts for scores in '07. East Carolina running back Chris Johnson ranked 18th in the nation in kick-return average this season and set an NCAA bowl record with 408 all-purpose yards in the Pirates' Hawaii Bowl upset of Boise State. Johnson has wondered how the success of Hester and Cribbs might help his own pro prospects, but he also believes he could offer NFL teams an even greater dimension. "I look at those guys, and they really don't have a primary position," Johnson said. "And I've got a primary position. To have (special teams) as an asset is going to make my draft stock even higher."

But no matter how well these guys play on offense or defense, it's their game-changing ability on special teams that could separate them from the pack. That's particularly true of McKelvin, who is generally regarded as the top return man in this draft class. McKelvin led his team with 1,022 all-purpose yards last fall despite not taking a snap on offense. Wherever McKelvin ends up in the NFL, he ought to shake Cribbs' hand or buy Hester a dinner the first time his team faces the Browns or Bears. After all, those two guys are going to end up helping McKelvin make more money than if he'd entered the league a couple of years earlier.

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[bigreese82]

Don't sleep on Dominique Rogers-Cromartie. The kid is the truth!!!

 

[Mike Herman]

DRAFTDADDY RANKINGS

Return Specialists

1. Mikey Henderson, Georgia (WR)

2. Darrell Blackman, North Carolina State (WR)

3. Dexter Jackson, Appalachalian State (WR)

4. Kevin Robinson, Utah State (WR)

5. Eddie Royal, Virginia Tech

6. Chad Hall, Air Force (WR)

7. Larry Taylor, Connecticut (WR)

8. Lowell Robinson, Pittsburgh (DB)

9. Clifton Smith, Fresno State (RB)

10. Matt Slater, UCLA. (DB)

linkDRAFTBOARDINSIDER RANKINGS

1. Eddie Royal, Virginia Tech

2. Donnie Avery, Houston

3. Rafael Little, Kentucky

4. Lionell Singleton, Florida International

NR. Mikey Henderson, Georgia

NR. Danny Amendola, Texas Tech

NR. Vaughn Rivers, West Virginia

NR. Larry Taylor, Connecticut

NR. Lowell Robinson, Pittsburgh

NR. Darrell Blackman, NC State

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[Mike Herman]

PITTSBURGH

Return specialist Allen Rossum took time out to talk with Teresa Varley and shared his thoughts about punt and kickoff returns, hard hits and his family.

1.What goes through your mind when you are standing there waiting for the ball to come to you?

The first thing that goes through my mind is to figure out where the ball is going to land and catch it. That is the most important thing, ball security. Then after I catch it I let natural instincts take over. I never say I am going to step this way first or anything like that. Every return is different. I may have a lot of room; I may have no room at all. It all varies.

2. What is the feeling when you have the ball in your hands and you see a crease of daylight in front of you?

It’s going to slow. I got about a 13-yard return against Seattle and Coach Ligs commented on it and I thought it was about a three-yard return. It happens so fast that it doesn’t seem like I went anywhere. Then at times when everything is wide open and there is a humungous hole it seems like I am going so slow, like I am barely moving. It seems like I should be running a lot faster. It varies.

3. What was the hardest hit anyone ever put on you? Did you see it coming?

It was a Monday night game against the Cowboys when I was playing for Philadelphia. I had a great game. At the end of the game I had a fair catch on a punt. Right before I caught it a guy ran right through me. I laid there for a little bit. It was the hardest I was ever hit. I didn’t see it coming at all. When you see a hit coming you can prepare for it mentally or physically, brace yourself for it. Those ones you don’t see coming, when you are looking up, those are the worst ones.

4. What do you prefer – punt returns or kickoff returns and why?

Right now kickoff returns because we are having more success. But I do love returning punts. If you make one guy miss the opportunity to score is a lot higher percentage than on kickoff returns. On kickoff returns guys have a long way to run and they can see everything developing in front of them, plus you have a couple of safeties sitting there. Punt returns you have the gunners who are trying to gun for you. The only safety net is maybe the punter. You don’t want to let the punter tackle you, but it happens. I like them 50/50, but we just are having more success on the kickoff returns.

5. What skill set does each require?

Punt return and kickoff return are two totally different things. They are two totally different balls. One is a tight spiral that at times turns over and at times doesn’t. Kickoff is an easier catch because it is a spiral and you can tell where it is going to land. It’s a totally different mindset. You can run forward and catch a kickoff return. Not many people can run forward with a full head of steam and catch a punt. You have to be set with punt returns because the ball can change at any moment because of the style of kick that it is.

6. You wasted no time having an impact on this team with your touchdown return. Is there pressure to keep it up once you do that?

Nobody can put more pressure on me than myself. I am harder on myself than anybody, than any coach can be. I am always looking for a big return. But I also have to be patient for those five and 10-yard returns or when Najeh (Davenport) holds me in on a kickoff return, I have to be patient with those things. They are paid to do a job too. I have to listen to him, listen to my coaches, read my blocks and not expect every one to go for a touchdown, even though I do want them too. The beauty of this thing is we have a humungous upside because we haven’t had that much time together. We are starting to have more success as we are together. Just watching film and seeing how hard these guys are working gives me confidence in everything that I want to do out on the field. I am always looking forward to the next day, the next game. I get more and more excited and confident. Confidence is the biggest thing. It’s about whoever is going to have the most confidence and intellectual ability in knowing what to do. We all watch film, we all lift weights and we all run. It comes down to the mental edge.

7. You have lasted 10 years in this league mainly as a return man. How have you been able to have that kind of longevity?

The first thing you have to do is have some great guys who are going to block for you. They have to be dedicated to sacrifice their body for you. Blocking is a hard thing. I have tried it and don’t like it. Second you have to have a great scheme. You have to have coaches who will put you in the right position and scheme for you to have success. You also have to have coaches who will let you be yourself and not feel like a robot. Sometimes you are going to take chances and it’s not going to work out. Sometimes you are going to take chances and it’s going to look like you are a genius. You have to have a lot of courage to play this long because you are going to have some ups and downs, bumps and bruises. But success comes along with that, along with hard work.

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[Mike Herman]

NFL Specials Teams rankings

By Rick Gosselin, The Dallas Morning News

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Devin Hester has played in the NFL two seasons. The Chicago Bears have fielded the NFL's best special teams each of those two seasons. Yes, there is a correlation. Hester is to NFL special teams what New England quarterback Tom Brady is to offense and Indianapolis safety Bob Sanders is to defense. Hester returned six kicks for touchdowns in 2007 and has 11 in his career, two short of the NFL record held by Brian Mitchell. And Hester has played 12 fewer seasons and 191 fewer games than Mitchell. A seventh TD return by Hester was nullified by penalty. He returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the 2007 Super Bowl, which does not count among his career scores, and another punt return for a TD in the playoffs was nullified by penalty. Hester's legs powered the Chicago Bears to the top of the 2007 NFL special teams rankings compiled annually by The Dallas Morning News . The Bears also finished first in 2006 – this after finishing 11th in 2005 before Hester's arrival.

The league's 32 teams are ranked in 22 categories and assigned points according to their standing – one for best, 32 for worst. The Bears won with a composite score of 236.5, 5.5 points better than runner-up San Diego. Eleven of the 12 NFL playoff teams finished in the top 20, including seven of the eight division winners. Only Indianapolis, at 31, fell below the cut. The Super Bowl champion New York Giants finished 17th, and the AFC champion New England Patriots ninth. The Cowboys finished 18th.

Hester's presence on the field for the Bears affected six of the categories: kickoff and punt returns, kickoff starting point, scoring and opponent punting and net punting. The Bears led the NFL in special-teams scoring (eight touchdowns) and kickoff starting point. Chicago finished last in the NFL in kickoff returns with an average of 18.4 yards. Teams were willing to pooch kickoffs, even kick them out of bounds, rather than let Hester field them. So Chicago's kickoff starting point was the 33.7-yard line, a league-best. The Bears were second in punt returns thanks to Hester's NFC-best 15.5-yard average and four touchdowns. They also finished in the top five in opponent punting and net punting. Teams often kicked away from Hester, sacrificing yardage to keep the ball out of his hands. The Bears also led the NFL with eight blocked kicks, twice as many as any other team. They led the NFL in kickoff coverage, ranked third in punt coverage and second in field goals with 31. Chicago ranked in the top 10 in 14 of the 22 categories. San Diego ranked in the top 10 in 12 categories. The Chargers led the NFL with six special-teams takeaways and ranked in the top five in all three of the punting categories with Mike Scifres.

Green Bay and Houston charted the greatest improvements in the span of a year. The Texans finished 29th in the NFL in 2006 and the Packers last. But Houston vaulted to fourth and the Packers to seventh. Special teams helped the Packers win the NFC North with a 13-3 record and helped the Texans post their first non-losing season in franchise history at 8-8.

Rank Team Points

1. Chicago Bears 236.5

2. San Diego Chargers 242

3. San Francisco 49ers 268.5

4t. Buffalo Bills 277.5

4t. Houston Texans 277.5

6. Cleveland Browns 310.5

7t. Green Bay Packers 318

7t. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 318

9. New England Patriots 326.5

10. Washington Redskins 328

11. Atlanta Falcons 335

12. Tennessee Titans 341

13. New York Jets 359.5

14. Seattle Seahawks 367

15. Pittsburgh Steelers 372.5

16. Baltimore Ravens 375

17. New York Giants 376.5

18. Dallas Cowboys 382.5

19. Carolina Panthers 386.5

20. Jacksonville Jaguars 387.5

21. Miami Dolphins 390

22. Cincinnati Bengals 395

23. St. Louis Rams 396

24. Minnesota Vikings 400

25. Detroit Lions 406

26. Oakland Raiders 414.5

27. Kansas City Chiefs 420

28. Philadelphia Eagles 423.5

29. New Orleans Saints 427

30. Denver Broncos 428.5

31. Indianapolis Colts 447

32. Arizona Cardinals 482.5

 

[dudaman]

So when teams kick away from (OB, squib, whatever the method) your newly-drafted first rounder that you just paid a $3m signing bonus and $10-20 in salary, is it worth it?

Aren't games won in the trenches? I don't see one team in the league that is so deep at every position that they can afford to burn a 1st rounder on a specialist. 2nd rounder, maybe, but not a 1st.

 

[Mike Herman]

COMBINE

Appalachian State WR/RS Dexter Jackson spoke with the media this morning and said that he met with twelve teams last night, most notably the Rams, Patriots and Raiders. Jackson is a tremendous weapon on special teams and highlighted that the emergence of a player like Devin Hester has really helped his status as a prospect. “Having the ability to return the ball at the next level is critical,” Jackson said. “A guy like Devin Hester has really elevated the focus of teams looking for a guy who can play on offense, as well as multitask on special teams.”

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[TitusIII]

So when teams kick away from (OB, squib, whatever the method) your newly-drafted first rounder that you just paid a $3m signing bonus and $10-20 in salary, is it worth it?Aren't games won in the trenches? I don't see one team in the league that is so deep at every position that they can afford to burn a 1st rounder on a specialist. 2nd rounder, maybe, but not a 1st.

Field position is the name of the game from a macro view...if Devin Hester played for a team like the Vikings, or any team with an offensive pulse, the results would be scary...nevertheless, you bring up a good point, there aren't many Devin Hesters around...

 

[Mike Herman]

CHICAGO

"I think Devin Hester can pretty much be what he wants to be," [Lovie] Smith said. "Can he be a three-down receiver? Definitely." Smith said the plan is to have Hester return fewer kicks, but will use him on special teams on a limited basis. "You have to be realistic to know he can't do it all," Smith said. Smith indicated Danieal Manning could help the Bears on kick returns, and mentioned restricted free-agent receiver Rashied Davis as another possible return man. Yet that doesn't mean we have seen the last of Hester the return man. "We're in a game and we need a play and they're kicking the ball off to us, there is a good chance you are going to see him back there," Smith said. "They're punting the ball to us and we need a big play, no matter what part of the game, there is a good chance you are going to see him back there."

linkPHILADELPHIA

Kick returner has been another area that has been highlighted, and Reid hasn't ruled out looking at other players in that role. "Well, I think that's a spot we can upgrade, although I think Reno [Mahe] is a very solid answer," [Andy]Reid said. "But I also think that like we do in all spots, you're looking to get a little better at each position."

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[Mike Herman]

BUFFALO

It began slowly and that was by design. Bills head coach **** Jauron wanted to ease the 2008 draft class and undrafted rookie signees into the NFL pace and get them up to speed on the fundamentals. Jauron, who became a big fan of the rookie camp last offseason believes it's very effective because his assistants can devote more time to the young players with only 28 in attendance. The staff had three players working on ball security on punt returns. They were Scott Mayle, top pick Leodis McKelvin and undrafted rookie Bruce "TC" Hall. McKelvin looked fundamentally sound as he caught almost all of his punts with his hands. Out of a few dozen reps he dropped just one and looked relatively smooth in his execution displaying soft hands.

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[Mike Herman]

PITTSBURGH

The Pittsburgh Steelers today released former Purdue wide receiver and return man, Dorien Bryant, after he reportedly failed a team physical on Friday. The move was a bit of a surprise, as several NFL teams sought his services after the draft was over. Bryant was the rare prolific receiver and return man, reminding many of Dante Hall. The Steelers have yet to disclose why Bryant failed his physical, perhaps to allow Bryant to potential to sign with a different team. It probably won’t take long for Bryant to find a team willing to take a risk on his vast potential. Of course, that failed physical will play a major part in that. Pittsburgh is actively seeking another potential free agent to take Bryant’s place in the special teams competition.

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[Mike Herman]

WASHINGTON

Special teams coach Danny Smith also praised running back Rock Cartwright's season as a kickoff returner and reaffirmed that Cartwright is the team's top returner despite the signing of former Pro Bowl returner Jerome Mathis and the experience of draft picks Devin Thomas and Justin Tryon in the return game. "Rock had a great year, he really did, and Rock is our kickoff returner," Smith said. Smith laughed when discussing Tryon, the Redskins' fourth-round pick out of Arizona State, who boasted after he was selected that if he returned kicks the team's starting position would be at the 50-yard line. "I'm not even going to make a comment on that because if it were to happen that he was back there then the other team would be looking forward to that game," Smith said. "If he was on another team I couldn't wait to play him, because I haven't seen that happen."

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[Mike Herman]

PHILADELPHIA

Second-round draft pick DeSean Jackson may be penciled in as the Eagles' primary returner on punts and kickoffs, but no one is going to simply hand him the job. Jackson is just one of a crowd of players working on returns during the team's first minicamp, which continued Sunday. Jackson and safety Quintin Demps, a fourth-round draft pick out of UTEP, got most of the reps, but special teams coordinator Rory Segrest said the field of candidates for those jobs is large and varied. "Both of those guys (Jackson and Demps) will definitely get looks," Segrest said of the kickoff return picture. "Of course, we've also got (running back Lorenzo) Booker back there. He'll give us a shot as well. "Then, we always have J.R. (Reed) and (Correll Buckhalter) if we want to go with more of a power running attack there. We've definitely got some good options at kick returner right now." The look is much the same at punt returner, where Jackson and Demps are joined by Reed, wideouts Bam Childress and Bill Sampy, as well as cornerback Tanard Davis. Presumably, the Eagles still have Reno Mahe on speed dial, should all of their options fail.

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[hotboyz]

The Ravens are planning on using Ray Rice on Kick returns along with Yamon Figurs the fastest guy in last yrs. draft

 

[NOONAN]

The Ravens are planning on using Ray Rice on Kick returns along with Yamon Figurs the fastest guy in last yrs. draft

Is Sams out?

 

[hotboyz]

The Ravens are planning on using Ray Rice on Kick returns along with Yamon Figurs the fastest guy in last yrs. draft

Is Sams out?

BJ Sams signed with the KC Chiefs

 

[Mike Herman]

OAKLAND

Fourth-round draft pick Tyvon Branch was the fastest defensive back at the Scouting Combine and showed some off some of that speed along with some nice moves during his first NFL practice. During one kickoff return drill, Branch broke upfield then abruptly cut left, juking fellow rookie Trevor Scott. Branch and free agent signee Louis Rankin stayed after practice to work on punt returns, as well. For now, Branch is the front-runner to win both return jobs.

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[PudgieYngwie]

My league awards a point per punt or kickoff return, so players who are the primary returner for both are very valuable. Are Cribbs/Breaston/Hester the most valuable candidates under this system? From what I read above it looks like Hester may lose some returns as he increases his WR reps. Tyvon Branch might be worth a flyer if he wins both jobs at Oakland. I'm totally new to the returner game so this thread is my first study guide. I know most teams have different returners for punts and kickoffs. Who else is expected to return the majority of kickoffs and punts for their team? Thanks!!!

 

[Buckeyedawgs]

I play in KO return yardage leagues. They are a blast and brings an entire different element to fantasy football. You get your return yardage plus the normal stats for your designated KR starter. The catch is your KR starter must actually touch a return or you forfiet all normal points if you used him in your KR slot. I drafted two of the best last year. Cribbs and Burelson. Dominated the league too! In just my second year.

My first year I didn't know what I was doing in these type of leagues. I drafted Rossen

and didn't make playoffs. Utilyzing the KR brings an entire different draft stagety into play and I highly suggest more leagues adopt this policy. The FFL leagues utilyze this and they became among my favorites fast. Not just the KR but payout structures and stuff like that. I would highly suggest you guys give it a try. I also would highly suggest MFL adopts KR software to give us the option to include a KR starter option.

As far as I know MFL does not support a KR option.

 

[Riffraff]

Jonathan Stewart will be handling kick-offs for Carolina.

 

[treat88]

 

[The Jacket]

Keep an eye out for Kevin Robinson out of Utah State, a dynamite return guy in college, and Jamaal Charles for the Chiefs -- I think the winner of that battle will do some things in the return game.

 

[Mike Herman]

Jonathan Stewart will be handling kick-offs for Carolina.

Question:Who will return kickoffs for the Panthers this season?John Fox: Jonathan Stewart was one of the leaders in the country as well as in the Pac-10. He's a guy that will start off with those duties when we go to camp. Not only is he an outstanding running back, but that was one of the key factors as well.

Question:Are you nervous about your potential feature running back returning kickoffs?

John Fox: It's no different than when Steve Smith was as our punt returner. We'll just evaluate that as we go.

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[Mike Herman]

PITTSBURGH

The Steelers ranked near the bottom of the NFL last season in punt returns, making it the area of special teams in which they fared the worst in 2007 -- at least statistically. They signed free agent Mewelde Moore to bolster their punt-return game, and the former Viking could be a significant upgrade over Allen Rossum. Moore is Minnesota's career leader in punt-return average (10.5 yards), and he has twice returned punts for touchdowns. Rossum averaged 6.4 yards per punt return last season -- the Steelers' average of 6.1 yards ranked 30th out of 32 teams -- and the Steelers released him in February. Coach Mike Tomlin said the Steelers aren't "ruling anybody out at this point" when it comes to returning kicks, and that includes third-year wide receiver Santonio Holmes. Holmes had success returning punts as a rookie -- he averaged 10.2 yards per return in 2006 and returned a punt for a touchdown -- but he also had some issues with fumbling and played almost exclusively at wide receiver last season. Tomlin has been reluctant to use Holmes, who also averaged 24.2 yards per kickoff return in 2006, as a returner because he wants the former first-round draft pick to concentrate on his primary position. "I'll always be conscious of what I put on young guys' plates," Tomlin said. "That was my reasoning. It may or may not be my reasoning again this year. We'll see what happens."

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[Mike Herman]

TENNESSEE

The stadium in Oakland is known as “The Black Hole.” For new Tennessee Titan Chris Carr, the black hole also describes where he felt his career was while spending his first three seasons with the Raiders. “That’s an understatement to say it’s a little nicer here. It’s just so many things that go on over there, and it’s disheartening too because you don’t win any football games,” said Carr, who signed with Tennessee this offseason as a restricted free agent. “It’s tough, and it’s kind of bittersweet, because I loved all those coaches there and I loved my teammates, I really do,” Carr said. “But there’s just so much other stuff going on there that it makes it so difficult. After a while you just want to leave, and I was a free agent and got a shot to leave, and coming to a team like this, I’m glad to be here and be on a playoff-caliber team.” Asked if any of his ex-teammates in Oakland were envious of his escape to Tennessee, Carr said, “I’ll plead the fifth on that one. They’re trying as hard as they can in their situation, so I won’t comment on that one.”

The Titans are happy to have Carr, who will likely take over as their primary return man in at least one capacity this season. The Titans struggled to find punt and kickoff returners last season with Adam “Pacman” Jones suspended, and Carr has experience in both roles. He averaged 24.1 yards per return on kickoffs and 5.9 yards per return on punts, though he fielded only eight punts in 2007. He was the Raiders’ primary punt returner during his first two seasons with the club. “I did punt return my first two years, and last year was kind of off and on. Like in Oakland, there’s a lot of stuff going on there that you don’t understand. It’s just whatever,” Carr said. Carr will likely receive competition from first-round pick Chris Johnson on kickoff returns, and perhaps from Chris Davis on punt returns. “Chris Carr is out here fielding punts and he’s doing very well, despite the fact that he only returned kickoffs for [the Raiders] last season,” Titans coach Jeff Fisher said. “Chris Johnson can return, and Chris Davis can. If your name is Chris, you can do it. It’s wide open, and never in my experience here have we had this many good returners.”

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[Mike Herman]

KANSAS CITY

It really wasn’t that long ago when B.J. Sams was regarded as one of the top return weapons in the NFL. That’s why the Chiefs are crossing their fingers that Sams’ repaired right knee (torn ACL) will allow him to become an upper-echelon return specialist again. Sams, signed to a one-year deal this offseason, could strengthen a dreadful return game — the Chiefs were 30th last season in kickoff returns (19.2 yards) and 25th in punt returns (7.6). “This is my opportunity again,” Sams said Thursday during the Chiefs’ OTAs (organized team activities). “People might look at me and say ‘Yeah, back in the day he was good. But what’s he got now?’ You can get forgotten fast. Well, I want to show I still got a lot left.”

Sams, 27, isn’t going to show much right now. He’s being held back deliberately to let his knee heal but vows to be ready for camp in July. Sams also assures everyone that he’ll still have the breakaway speed he had before the knee injury, which forced him to miss almost all of last season. “Right now, it’s mostly a mental thing,” he said. “When you’ve had an injury, you’ve just got to remind yourself that it’s OK to use (the knee). It’s all in the head.”

Sams became an instant force during his rookie season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2004. He returned two punts for touchdowns, including a 78-yarder. And though he hasn’t scored on a kickoff return yet, he has had nine returns of 40 yards or more, including an 87-yarder and a 72-yarder. Sams is fully aware that Chiefs fans know a thing or two about return specialists, having watched Dante Hall during his prime. “He’s one of the best,” Sams said. “He was doing it before I got into the league. He’s one of the guys I looked up to.”

linkHe'll also have to compete with sixth round draft pick Kevin Robinson for the job...

KR Kevin Robinson - Forget the slow 40 time he ran at the NFL combine. He showed off his skills in special teams drills today by waiting until the right opening formed for him to make his move up the field. He did drop a ball, but will certainly be the guy returning punts this year. The jury is out on kickoffs.

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[Mike Herman]

CINCINNATI

OTA Update:

When the Bengals worked on kick returns, Holt and running back DeDe Dorsey went in thre first group, followed by Chatman and wide receiver Doug Gabriel, and then rookie wideouts Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell.

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[KellysHeroes]

I play in a league that awards a KR... they only receive pts for KR and PR, the top 3 score like RB1s...

I drafted Hestor and Figurs..

I highly doubt they take away fom Hestor's Return Duties... hes the best in the business.

Figurs may lose some KOffs to Rice, but he is still valuable as a Punt Returner

 

[KellysHeroes]

Is there a chance the T Willaims gets both duties in GB?

I believe he will be handling KRs

 

[Mike Herman]

Is there a chance the T Willaims gets both duties in GB?I believe he will be handling KRs

It's a possibility... although if Will Blackmon is healthy he's a strong possibility, and rookie Jordy Nelson should get a look on punt returns given his ridiculously high scoring percentage.

 

[Gamma1210]

 

[KellysHeroes]

Is there a chance the T Willaims gets both duties in GB?I believe he will be handling KRs

It's a possibility... although if Will Blackmon is healthy he's a strong possibility, and rookie Jordy Nelson should get a look on punt returns given his ridiculously high scoring percentage.

Cool, just took a flyer on him w/ my last pick... hes my #3

 

[Mike Herman]

CINCINNATI

Waived Doug Gabriel

MIAMI

Waived Tab Perry



NY JETS

Chansi Stuckey returned kickoffs along with Leon Washington and Danny Woodhead. The 5-7 Woodhead drew some “oohs” and “ahhs” on one return when he essentially looked hidden behind the blockers, then darted through a hole on the right side. It was a non-contact drill - all of them are - but had it been full-contact, the play would have been a long one.

linkDALLAS

There sure was a covey of guys working on returning punts, including some of the usual suspects - Patrick Crayton, Terence Newman, Anthony Henry, Marion Barber - but also a few new guys - Danny Amendola, Quincy Butler, Justin Phinisee and Jerron Wishom.

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[Mike Herman]

A couple tidbits...

The Jaguars would like to decrease Maurice Jones-Drew's role on kickoff returns this year.

The Saints would like increase Reggie Bush's role on punt returns this year... unlike last year... more like his rookie year.

 

[KellysHeroes]

CINCINNATI

Waived Doug Gabriel

MIAMI

Waived Tab Perry



NY JETS

Chansi Stuckey returned kickoffs along with Leon Washington and Danny Woodhead. The 5-7 Woodhead drew some “oohs” and “ahhs” on one return when he essentially looked hidden behind the blockers, then darted through a hole on the right side. It was a non-contact drill - all of them are - but had it been full-contact, the play would have been a long one.

linkDALLAS

There sure was a covey of guys working on returning punts, including some of the usual suspects - Patrick Crayton, Terence Newman, Anthony Henry, Marion Barber - but also a few new guys - Danny Amendola, Quincy Butler, Justin Phinisee and Jerron Wishom.

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Cin - bump up G Holt / Mia - Ted Ginn did good last yr, Jets - this one will be tricky has long as Miller is hanging around,Dallas - ehhh, too crowded.

 

[Mike Herman]

PHILADELPHIA

Rookie safety Quintin Demps returned kickoffs in practice from a simulator, along with returner Correll Buckhalter, receiver Bam Childress and running backs Ryan Moats and Lorenzo Booker.

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Fourth-round rookie safety Quintin Demps looked good returning kickoffs. Demps said he returned both kicks and punts at UTEP, and slightly prefers punts. "On punts, you need your dudes to block, but not as much as on kickoffs," he explained.

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[KellysHeroes]

PHILADELPHIA

Rookie safety Quintin Demps returned kickoffs in practice from a simulator, along with returner Correll Buckhalter, receiver Bam Childress and running backs Ryan Moats and Lorenzo Booker.

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Fourth-round rookie safety Quintin Demps looked good returning kickoffs. Demps said he returned both kicks and punts at UTEP, and slightly prefers punts. "On punts, you need your dudes to block, but not as much as on kickoffs," he explained.

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Wow.. I thought for sure DEJackson would be handling those duties

 

[Mike Herman]

PHILADELPHIA

Rookie safety Quintin Demps returned kickoffs in practice from a simulator, along with returner Correll Buckhalter, receiver Bam Childress and running backs Ryan Moats and Lorenzo Booker.

link

Fourth-round rookie safety Quintin Demps looked good returning kickoffs. Demps said he returned both kicks and punts at UTEP, and slightly prefers punts. "On punts, you need your dudes to block, but not as much as on kickoffs," he explained.

link

Wow.. I thought for sure DEJackson would be handling those duties

I'm certain he'll get a look on kickoff returns at some point, although they could ease him into it. Devin Hester did not take over on kickoff returns for the Bears until two-thirds of the way thru his rookie season. Jackson should definitely be the initial front-runner for punt returns, since that is his strength. He had only two kickoff returns in college.

 

[JaxBill]

Woodhead?

HARELIP, HARELIP, HARELIP!

 

[Keysersoze666]

 

[Mike Herman]

SEATTLE

Kickoff returners: During the drill designed to get work for the players who man the wedge, special teams coach Bruce DeHaven had Nate Burleson, Ben Obomanu, Josh Wilson, rookie Justin Forsett and Julius Jones returning kicks. When they got down to the entire No. 1 return unit being on the field, that group had been pared to Wilson, Burleson and Jordan Kent. Burleson, of course, did the brunt of the work last season, when he averaged 21.9 yards on 27 kickoff returns. But that might change, with Burleson expected to be the starting split end. "We are going to have to see how that goes," Holmgren said of Burleson continuing to return kicks. "He's a valuable special teams player and he's good for us. But if he is our starting split end I might have to reevaluate that. Then, I have to see if someone can do what he did. We are working on that."

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[Mike Herman]

DALLAS

Pacman Jones practiced on kickoff and punt returns.

PHILADELPHIA

DeSean Jackson tweaked his hammy.

 

[Mike Herman]

KANSAS CITY

The leading candidates to return kickoffs and punts for the Chiefs have strong credentials. Veteran B.J. Sams was among the NFL’s top-ranked return specialists while with Baltimore early in his career. Rookie Kevin Robinson, a sixth-round pick, had eight kick-return touchdowns during his time at Utah State. Normally, that might be enough to make the Chiefs optimistic they will get more from their return game than they did last year, when it was among the worst in the league. Their optimism is tempered because they thought the same thing last year when they signed veteran free agent Eddie Drummond, a former Pro Bowler with Detroit. That didn’t go very well, so the Chiefs will withhold judgment until they get a better look at Sams and Robinson. The process continues today when the Chiefs begin a three-day minicamp. “We think we’ll be better off because both B.J. and Kevin have a lot of ability,” special-teams coach Mike Priefer said. “But we won’t really know until we get to training camp and into the preseason.” The Chiefs will look at other return-specialist candidates. Rookie running back Jamaal Charles was impressive returning kickoffs in early offseason practices, so he will probably get a preseason trial. They will wind up using either Sams or Robinson, most likely.

Because of his experience and NFL accomplishments, Sams will be first in line. He was top 10 as recently as 2006 in both kickoff and punt returns. He brought back a punt 58 yards for a touchdown in a 2004 game against the Chiefs. But two injuries, a broken ankle late in the 2006 season and torn knee ligaments last year, threaten his career. “B.J.’s situation is interesting,” said Brian Billick, his coach with the Ravens. “He came out of nowhere. He had no chance to make the team when he got to us. He was even an afterthought as a college free agent. But he showed right away that we might have something special. He obviously had the speed and the quickness. He proved he was tough enough and smart enough." The Chiefs are keeping a watchful eye. Sams, who signed with the Chiefs as a free agent, has yet to be cleared for contact, but he and the Chiefs said he will be in time for the start of training camp next month. “You don’t know if he can come back from something like that,” Priefer said. “At his position, as a returner, you’re taking shots. You’re making quick, hard cuts on that knee.”

That uncertainty is the reason the Chiefs drafted Robinson. He was also a productive receiver in college, but it was his ability as a returner that grabbed their attention. Robinson isn’t particularly fast but has the knack for making defenders miss. “I’m no Devin Hester, but a lot of people say I’m faster on game day,” Robinson said. “A lot of players can run fast when they’re going straight ahead, but you can’t always do that on a football field. You have to be able to move fast laterally, and you have to be able to make people miss. I feel like I can do these things. I’m not a sprinter, but I get the job done.” Robinson averaged 18.9 yards per punt return and 29.3 yards per kickoff return last season. “You can’t argue with his production,” Priefer said. “He’s got a chip on his shoulder. He wants to prove everyone wrong because nobody thought he was fast enough to play in the NFL. He’s one of those guys that plays faster than his time speed. He’s just not going to score every time he touches the ball, and he’s not going to scare opponents because of his speed.”

Robinson has the advantage in that he can play another position, wide receiver. Sams played some for the Ravens as a receiver and a cornerback, but mostly in emergencies. “That’s one reason for B.J. to win the job, he’s got to win it by a large margin,” Priefer said. “He’s got to go out there in the preseason and run hard and show us that he still has it. If he doesn’t have it, we’ll know right away.”

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[Mike Herman]

MIAMI

After missing most of the offseason last year because of a foot injury sustained in the national championship game, Ted Ginn Jr. finished his rookie season with 34 catches for 420 yards and two touchdowns. He opened the season as a receiver and started nine games after Chris Chambers was sent to San Diego at the trading deadline. Last year's other starter was Marty Booker, and he was released in the offseason before signing with Chicago. That put Ginn in the likely role of the No. 1 receiver. The Dolphins signed Ernest Wilford as a free agent from Jacksonville in the offseason, and the other seven wide receivers on the roster have a combined three NFL starts.

While its rare for a No. 1 receiver to also handle punt and kickoff returning duties, Ginn has no problem doing it. And Dolphins coach Tony Sparano also has no reservations. "The best guy returning kicks will be the guy that goes back there," Sparano said. "If that ends up being Ted, so be it. Ted knows, no different than anybody else, the more jobs you can do here, the better off that we are going to be." Multitasking is nothing new for Ginn, who scored touchdowns four different ways - rushing, receiving, punt returning and kickoff returning - in his three seasons at Ohio State.

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[Mike Herman]

BALTIMORE

During the organized team activities, the Ravens continue to give themselves options at every position possible. For example, wideout Demetrius Williams, rookie running back Ray Rice and receiver Mark Clayton have been back on returns to aid Yamon Figurs.

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[The Jacket]

Keep an eye out for Kevin Robinson out of Utah State, a dynamite return guy in college, and Jamaal Charles for the Chiefs -- I think the winner of that battle will do some things in the return game.

Q: How much are you looking at the competition between Sams and Robinson for the role of returner?EDWARDS: “It’ll be good and [Jamall] Charles is going to be back there on kickoffs. Those two guys will be back there more on punts. Both guys have the skill and Sams is a veteran guy who has done it before and Robinson did it well in college. They’ve both got good hands; the ball doesn’t hit the ball a lot which is the most important thing.”

--

Ultimately I've always thought that Charles would win the KR job, but it looks as if the Chiefs will also keep a dedicated PR, which will likely be Robinson, imo.

 

[Mike Herman]

PITTSBURGH

When the topic is returning punts, Santonio Holmes begins with an emphatic clarification. "That's something I want to do," Holmes said. "It's not that I wouldn't mind still doing it. It's something that I want to do." After averaging 10.2 yards on 26 returns as a rookie - including a 65-yard touchdown against Carolina - Holmes didn't set up deep for any punts last season. That's something the Steelers receiver wants to change this fall. "The more involved I can get in the offense and touching the ball early in the game - whether it's fair-catching or getting the ball 6, 7 yards on a punt return - the better I think I'll play throughout the whole game," Holmes said Wednesday, after the next-to-last of the Steelers' offseason workouts. "Any guy that you can consider a playmaker wants to touch the ball eight to 10 times a game. If I can get four catches and four or five punt returns - whether or not I fair catch it - I just feel the more involved I am that people are depending on me more."

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has resisted the temptation to use Holmes on punt returns, wanting him to first develop as a receiver. Tomlin left yesterday's session early to attend the funeral service for Dwight White and wasn't available for interviews, but Holmes understands the rationale. With Allen Rossum and Cedrick Wilson released after the season and Willie Reid fighting for a roster spot, Mewelde Moore is the leading candidate to return punts this season. But Holmes is holding out hope that he gets a chance, too. "It's still looking pretty good for me, that I can get the opportunity," Holmes said. "I'll have to wait and see how camp turns out, what production we get from the guys that are returning it this year."

linkPHILADELPHIA

Speedy cornerback Tanard Davis struggled mightily to field punts, but safety and fourth-round draft pick Quintin Demps has looked smooth in the role.

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[Jayrod]

:whitecorner/blackdot:

(this is an equal opportunity post)

 

[Mike Herman]

TENNESSEE

Chris Johnson continues to impress with his scintillating speed. According to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean, during today’s practices, Johnson demonstrated his punt-returning prowess by catching all of the balls punted to him with relative ease. Much of the attention has been geared towards the role that Johnson will play in the running and receiving games, but his impact on special teams may be the place of his greatest impact as a rookie in 2008. Johnson has speed to burn, and that ability to accelerate should provide Vince Young and the offense with great field position on a consistent basis.

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[jerseydevil20]

What are the "safest" bets at KR/PR as far as depth chart goes at this point? Are there any?