Punt and Kickoff Returners 2009 (2 Viewers)

[captbly]

Not sure I would count Cason that high. Williams was supposed to be the return guy... but now Looker is kind of an intersting prospect.

 

[wollac]

Not sure I would count Cason that high. Williams was supposed to be the return guy... but now Looker is kind of an intersting prospect.

Thanks! That's exactly the type of feedback I am looking for...12 minutes til my draft

 

[captbly]

Not sure I would count Cason that high. Williams was supposed to be the return guy... but now Looker is kind of an intersting prospect.

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/...cason_stil.htmlintersting article just posted by Lions beat writer

 

[Eph]

I just completed some projections for KR/PRs. I'll put my list below. I got my numbers by looking at ESPN's and FBG's depth charts, this forum thread, and projections from Yahoo. Some of the projections I tweaked based on things I've read or believe. I draft in 30 minutes. I'd love to hear back from all of you as to whether any of these projections are way out of whack so I can fix my numbers. Fantasy points are based on my league's (10 yards/pt and 6 pts per TD). Also, I do not get credit for defensive players that are also return guys, so they were dropped from my list:Rank Name Yards TDs Pts1 Derek Stanley 1743 1 180.32 Aveion Cason 1544 1 160.43 Josh Cribbs 1527 1 158.74 Leon Washington 1437 1 149.75 Mark Jones 1412 1 147.26 Clifton Smith 1345 2 146.57 Jamaal Charles 1375 1 143.58 Darren Sproles 1374 1 143.49 Jerious Norwood 1311 1 137.110 Ryne Robinson 1250 1 13111 Rock Cartwright 1210 1 12712 Andre Davis 1180 1 12413 Percy Harvin 958 1 101.814 Antonio Chatman 977 0 97.715 Felix Jones 937 0 93.716 Ted Ginn 935 0 93.517 Jeremy Maclin 796 1 85.618 Ahmad Bradshaw 770 0 7719 Justin Forsett 730 0 7320 Davone Bess 668 0 66.821 Domenik Hixon 624 0 62.422 Andre Caldwell 598 0 59.823 Reggie Bush 349 3 52.924 Johnnie Lee Higgins 358 1 41.825 Steve Breaston 376 0 37.626 Jacoby Jones 293 1 35.327 Roscoe Parrish 273 1 33.328 Patrick Crayton 314 0 31.429 Wes Welker 314 0 31.430 Yamon Figurs 249 0 24.931 Desean Jackson 244 0 24.4

Thanks for sharing!Are those yards/TDs just KR/PR-related?Good luck in your draft!Eph

 

[Eph]

Why'd you drop Jonnie Lee Higgins so far from the Yahoo projection?

That's the only one that looks odd to me.

 

[wollac]

I just completed some projections for KR/PRs. I'll put my list below. I got my numbers by looking at ESPN's and FBG's depth charts, this forum thread, and projections from Yahoo. Some of the projections I tweaked based on things I've read or believe. I draft in 30 minutes. I'd love to hear back from all of you as to whether any of these projections are way out of whack so I can fix my numbers. Fantasy points are based on my league's (10 yards/pt and 6 pts per TD). Also, I do not get credit for defensive players that are also return guys, so they were dropped from my list:Rank Name Yards TDs Pts1 Derek Stanley 1743 1 180.32 Aveion Cason 1544 1 160.43 Josh Cribbs 1527 1 158.74 Leon Washington 1437 1 149.75 Mark Jones 1412 1 147.26 Clifton Smith 1345 2 146.57 Jamaal Charles 1375 1 143.58 Darren Sproles 1374 1 143.49 Jerious Norwood 1311 1 137.110 Ryne Robinson 1250 1 13111 Rock Cartwright 1210 1 12712 Andre Davis 1180 1 12413 Percy Harvin 958 1 101.814 Antonio Chatman 977 0 97.715 Felix Jones 937 0 93.716 Ted Ginn 935 0 93.517 Jeremy Maclin 796 1 85.618 Ahmad Bradshaw 770 0 7719 Justin Forsett 730 0 7320 Davone Bess 668 0 66.821 Domenik Hixon 624 0 62.422 Andre Caldwell 598 0 59.823 Reggie Bush 349 3 52.924 Johnnie Lee Higgins 358 1 41.825 Steve Breaston 376 0 37.626 Jacoby Jones 293 1 35.327 Roscoe Parrish 273 1 33.328 Patrick Crayton 314 0 31.429 Wes Welker 314 0 31.430 Yamon Figurs 249 0 24.931 Desean Jackson 244 0 24.4

Thanks for sharing!Are those yards/TDs just KR/PR-related?Good luck in your draft!Eph

YES

 

[wollac]

Why'd you drop Jonnie Lee Higgins so far from the Yahoo projection?That's the only one that looks odd to me.

Based on some of the sites I visited, I couldn't get a firm read on whether he was both a KR/PR, or just a PR. To be safe, I called him just a PR, and adjusted his stats down to what a more normal PR guy gets.

 

[SSOG]

In my league, rbs and wrs that are kick and punt returners get the points for tds as well as the team def. So who are the players that fit into this category that i should keep my eye on?Devin Hester immediately comes to mind here. ahmad bradshaw i believe will be returning. leon washingtonSprolesHixonnorwoodWho else?

Off the top of my head... Reggie Bush and Steve Breaston will both be returning punts this year. DeSean Jackson will probably handle punts while Jeremy Maclin takes Kickoffs. Felix Jones handled kickoffs for the Cowboys last year until he got hurt. Bernard Berrian handled punt returns for Minnesota last year, but Harvin's likely taking those duties this year. Eddie Royal did punt returns last year, but he lost his return job this year, as well. Josh Cribbs doesn't do a lot in terms of conventional offense, but he's one of the best dual-threat returners in the league. Wes Welker managed 24 and 25 punt returns in addition to his copious receptions over the last two seasons, and I haven't heard anything saying he's losing his job this year.

 

[wollac]

Draft is over, and I think it went well. Sure was strange seeing Draft Dominator ranking some of these guys so highly. I had to hold my draft finger on most of them, as I did not want to over-reach for guys that had high ADP's. The first guy I was targeting was Sproles, and I was planning to reach for him in Round 6. Unfortunately, some guy grabbed him about 7 picks before my turn. (Post draft, it was clear that he had done his homework on returners as well and had been targeting some of the same guys I was). In the end, I managed to grab the following return guys:

Leon Washington (Rd 7)

Tedd Ginn (Rd 8)

Percy Harvin (Rd 11)

Jerious Norwood (Rd 13)

Josh Cribbs went undrafted, and I have a waiver wire request in trading my backup QB for him.

BTW, my draft had 12 teams, going 16 rounds.

Your thoughts on this question?

I grabbed Ryan Grant in Round 4, and as I mentioned, Sproles went in Round 6. Would I be crazy to offer a trade of Grant for Sproles? Draft Dominator has them ranked so:

Sproles: 134.8 pts (ADP 09.05)

Grant: 105.6 pts (ADP 03.09)

 

[Ozymandias]

Not Hester. At least not regularly.

 

[Eph]

Draft is over, and I think it went well. Sure was strange seeing Draft Dominator ranking some of these guys so highly. I had to hold my draft finger on most of them, as I did not want to over-reach for guys that had high ADP's. The first guy I was targeting was Sproles, and I was planning to reach for him in Round 6. Unfortunately, some guy grabbed him about 7 picks before my turn. (Post draft, it was clear that he had done his homework on returners as well and had been targeting some of the same guys I was). In the end, I managed to grab the following return guys:Leon Washington (Rd 7)Tedd Ginn (Rd 8)Percy Harvin (Rd 11)Jerious Norwood (Rd 13)Josh Cribbs went undrafted, and I have a waiver wire request in trading my backup QB for him.BTW, my draft had 12 teams, going 16 rounds.Your thoughts on this question?I grabbed Ryan Grant in Round 4, and as I mentioned, Sproles went in Round 6. Would I be crazy to offer a trade of Grant for Sproles? Draft Dominator has them ranked so:Sproles: 134.8 pts (ADP 09.05)Grant: 105.6 pts (ADP 03.09)

So, their VBDs are also 29 points different?I'd try to get him, if so. That's what DD is all about, right? ;-)

 

[Stryker]

does MJD still do kicks? Harvin. Hester will do punts..Steve Smith, does he do that stuff anymore?

 

[wollac]

Draft is over, and I think it went well. Sure was strange seeing Draft Dominator ranking some of these guys so highly. I had to hold my draft finger on most of them, as I did not want to over-reach for guys that had high ADP's. The first guy I was targeting was Sproles, and I was planning to reach for him in Round 6. Unfortunately, some guy grabbed him about 7 picks before my turn. (Post draft, it was clear that he had done his homework on returners as well and had been targeting some of the same guys I was). In the end, I managed to grab the following return guys:Leon Washington (Rd 7)Tedd Ginn (Rd 8)Percy Harvin (Rd 11)Jerious Norwood (Rd 13)Josh Cribbs went undrafted, and I have a waiver wire request in trading my backup QB for him.BTW, my draft had 12 teams, going 16 rounds.Your thoughts on this question?I grabbed Ryan Grant in Round 4, and as I mentioned, Sproles went in Round 6. Would I be crazy to offer a trade of Grant for Sproles? Draft Dominator has them ranked so:Sproles: 134.8 pts (ADP 09.05)Grant: 105.6 pts (ADP 03.09)

So, their VBDs are also 29 points different?I'd try to get him, if so. That's what DD is all about, right? ;-)

I'm glad you see it my way. I've already offered the trade. I grabbed Grant in the 4th round, because his ADP offered good value. I did not expect Sproles to come off the board in the 6th round. But post-draft, ADP's don't matter. It's all about who can bring you the most points.

 

[Eph]

On second thought, I think Sproles is probably so high in your league cause you get 10yards/pt for KR/PR, probably same as your RBs, right?

That may be risky then, if Sproles doesn't take both kicks and punts.

(We get 25 yards/pt for KR/PR and 10 yards/pt for rushes in my league, and Grant is 5 spots ahead of Sproles in my Player Pool, but only one RB spot ahead.)

(Sorry if my first response influenced you...)

 

[wollac]

On second thought, I think Sproles is probably so high in your league cause you get 10yards/pt for KR/PR, probably same as your RBs, right?That may be risky then, if Sproles doesn't take both kicks and punts.(We get 25 yards/pt for KR/PR and 10 yards/pt for rushes in my league, and Grant is 5 spots ahead of Sproles in my Player Pool, but only one RB spot ahead.)(Sorry if my first response influenced you...)

Yes, RB/WR/KR/PR yardage is 10 yards per point.I think it's a pretty safe bet that Sproles will maintain those roles, and no, you didn't influence me. I had already made the offer, and I'm going to keep it out there. Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[corpcow]

Hester will be returning punts, but not kickoffs. Same for Leon Washington.

I think Ware will likely take over KR duties for the Giants, with Bradshaw moving on... just the sense I get.

I believe Andre Davis is still the primary returner in Houston.

 

[the spanker]

Hester will be returning punts, but not kickoffs. Same for Leon Washington.I think Ware will likely take over KR duties for the Giants, with Bradshaw moving on... just the sense I get.I believe Andre Davis is still the primary returner in Houston.

That's a bummer if Leon doesn't return kickoffs. Now I'll have to lower him a little bit on my draft board as my league counts return yardage. Is Sproles still slated to do both? Does that make him a better value than Leon then?

 

[Dragon1952]

Jeremy Maclin, Darren Sproles.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

You guys are wreckin' a perfectly good thread.

Isn't there an AC forum for this kind of thing?

 

[Alias]

 

[brett5673]

Alright, in my league we get 1 point every 10 KR/PR Yards, and im in a league where no one but me factors it in that much. So guys I should boost in Ranking or flat out must get, Im trying to make a small list of those kinda guys.

So far, from the top of my head, or from the research here is:

Norwood, Sproles, Washington, Harvin (likely will be #1 Overall Wide Receiver), Higgins, Maclin? and Derek Stanley. is there anyone else that is almost positively going to be having return duties while being at least a part time player? this list seems short, but i also cant risk taking a player too early just cause of this. But im a big believer in Washington as a normal player as well, and the other backs

 

[Mike Herman]

PITTSBURGH

The Steelers are seriously considering putting a “Half Pint” on the opening-day roster. “Half Pint,” of course, would be Stefan Logan, the miniature kick return specialist with jitterbug moves and electrifying speed. “He’s got our attention,” coach Mike Tomlin said. Though Logan has made no impact on the passing game — he’s a fifth-string wide receiver — he was dynamic in Saturday’s 17-13 preseason loss at Washington. Logan, whose pro resume consists of a brief stint on the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad and one season in the Canadian Football League, averaged 39.3 yards on four kickoff returns against the Redskins. Two of the returns went for 60 and 45 yards. He also averaged 12.0 yards on four punt returns. Just 5-foot-6 and 180 pounds, Logan touched the ball eight times in his preseason debut for a total of 205 yards. That’s an average of 25.6 yards every time he touched the ball. So impressive has Logan been during training camp, several Steelers cast bets on him before the opening kickoff at FedEx Field. “We were making bets on when he was going to take one to the house,” running back Willie Parker said. “He’s amazing.”

Logan was so impressive against the Redskins that some say the Steelers would be foolish not to keep him. It would be hard to argue against that considering the Steelers ranked 29th in kickoff returns and tied for 31st in punt returns last year.

On kickoff returns last year, the Steelers primarily used running backs, some of them big backs, with marginal success. Gary Russell, who’s no longer with the team, returned 16 kicks. Najeh Davenport, also an ex-Steeler, returned 10 kicks as did Mewelde Moore, who remains the third-down back. Wide receiver Santonio Holmes dazzled by returning a punt 67 yards for a touchdown in a playoff win over San Diego but he only averaged 6.6 yards on 34 returns during the regular season. By comparison, Buffalo’s Roscoe Parrish led the NFL at 15.3 ypr.

“(Last week) I told my friends that it was my turn (to return) against the Redskins, so I knew they’d be watching,” said Logan, nicknamed “Half Pint” by his Pittsburgh teammates. “Everybody was calling me and texting me and saying, ‘I know when you get the ball, you’re going to make something happen’ and ‘That you’re going to make this team because you’ve worked so hard.’” That said, Logan will still have to perform well in at least one of the last two preseason games if he’s to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. Wide receiver Mike Wallace, a rookie speedster, handled kickoffs in the first preseason game while rookie cornerback Joe Burnett handled punt returns. Burnett returned one punt against the Redskins, but fumbled it away. Tomlin hasn’t yet decided who will return kicks Saturday against the Bills at Heinz Field. But Logan figures to get at least one more chance, either this week or Sept. 3 against Carolina, to prove he deserves a roster spot. “It’s pretty obvious that he did a nice job,” Tomlin said of Logan’s performance against the Redskins. “But he’s got an incomplete body of work. We’re just two games into a four-game preseason.”

“I’m sure I’m going to get another shot at it,” said Logan, 28. “I’ll do whatever I can to take one to the house. I want to show these guys I can get it done.”

link

 

[Mike Herman]

SEATTLE

Young wide receiver Deon Butler's days as a kickoff return man may be done as Mora indicated he'd likely limit him to punt return duties for now. Butler has struggled on kickoffs in the first two preseason games. Mora said all teams are trying to adjust to the rule change that limits the blocking wedge on kickoffs to two players instead of the old four, which is exposing return men more than in the past. Rather than get Butler hurt, he said "I think you'll see a little less of No. 11 out there catching kickoffs." Mora indicated Josh Wilson would assume the primary kickoff duties during the regular season and Nate Burleson would be in for punt returns at times, though Butler will continue getting a look there.

LINK

 

[mrspree15]

awesome thread, thanks mike

 

[the UFFRM]

Alright, in my league we get 1 point every 10 KR/PR Yards, and im in a league where no one but me factors it in that much. So guys I should boost in Ranking or flat out must get, Im trying to make a small list of those kinda guys. So far, from the top of my head, or from the research here is:Norwood, Sproles, Washington, Harvin (likely will be #1 Overall Wide Receiver), Higgins, Maclin? and Derek Stanley. is there anyone else that is almost positively going to be having return duties while being at least a part time player? this list seems short, but i also cant risk taking a player too early just cause of this. But im a big believer in Washington as a normal player as well, and the other backs

Clifton Smith

 

[the UFFRM]

TIER RANKINGS

Here’s my first stab at grouping the returners into tiers of relative value, to get the discussion started. It gives KR higher value over PR. It does not take offensive or defensive production into account. Wide open competitions or likely return-by-committee situations are not ranked.

1. ELITE KR & PR

WR Josh Cribbs, Cle

RB Leon Washington, NYJ

RB Darren Sproles, SD

RB Clifton Smith, TB

2. KR & PR

CB Chris Carr, Bal

WR Derrick Williams, Det (return specialist is the rookies job to lose)

CB Will Blackmon, GB

DB Brian Witherspoon, Jac

DB Allen Rossum, SF

WR Derek Stanley, STL

WR Mark Jones, Ten

3. ELITE KR

CB Leodis McKelvin, Buf

DB Danieal Manning, Chi

CB Justin Miller, Oak

4. ELITE PR

WR Roscoe Parrish, Buf

WR Devin Hester, Chi

WR Jacoby Jones, Hou

RB Reggie Bush, NO

WR Johnnie Lee Higgins, Oak

5. KR ONLY

RB Jerious Norwood, Atl

WR Andre Caldwell, Cin

RB Felix Jones, Dal

WR Andre Davis, Hou

RB Dantrell Savage, KC

WR Ted Ginn Jr., Mia

WR Courtney Roby, NO

CB Ellis Hobbs, Phi

CB Josh Wilson, Sea

RB Rock Cartwright, Was

6. PR ONLY

WR Steve Breaston, Ari (could also handle KR, but probably won’t)

WR Harry Douglas, Atl

WR Eddie Royal, Den

WR Davone Bess, Mia

WR Wes Welker, NE

7. ROOKIE CANDIDATES TO WATCH

WR Larry Beavers, Car

WR Quan Cosby, Cin

WR Quinten Lawrence, KC

WR Jeremy Maclin, Phi

CB Joe Burnett, Pit

Mike- Are there plans anytime soon for an update on this list?

 

[Mike Herman]

TIER RANKINGS

Here’s my first stab at grouping the returners into tiers of relative value, to get the discussion started. It gives KR higher value over PR. It does not take offensive or defensive production into account. Wide open competitions or likely return-by-committee situations are not ranked.

1. ELITE KR & PR...

Mike- Are there plans anytime soon for an update on this list?

I'm planning to put together a pre-season Returnerguys article next week.

 

[Mike Herman]

MINNESOTA

Although wide receiver Jaymar Johnson has eight of the Vikings' nine punt returns this preseason, Murphy said receivers Percy Harvin and Darius Reynaud also would get an opportunity to return punts. Harvin also returned two kickoffs Friday and looks to be the favorite to win that job.

LINK

 

[yashi]

The projections listed above have Jamaal Charles at 1375 return yards for the season. It's far from a sure thing that he's a return guy for the Chiefs this season. Quinten Lawrence and Rodney Wright have mostly handled those duties in training camp, but there's a good chance that neither of those guys makes the 53 man roster, which would make Charles or Jackie Battle the favorite.

 

[Eph]

TIER RANKINGS

Here’s my first stab at grouping the returners into tiers of relative value, to get the discussion started. It gives KR higher value over PR. It does not take offensive or defensive production into account. Wide open competitions or likely return-by-committee situations are not ranked.

1. ELITE KR & PR...

Mike- Are there plans anytime soon for an update on this list?

I'm planning to put together a pre-season Returnerguys article next week.

Oh man. Any chance you can get that out before Monday at 10p ET? ;-)

 

[Alias]

Alright, in my league we get 1 point every 10 KR/PR Yards, and im in a league where no one but me factors it in that much. So guys I should boost in Ranking or flat out must get, Im trying to make a small list of those kinda guys. So far, from the top of my head, or from the research here is:Norwood, Sproles, Washington, Harvin (likely will be #1 Overall Wide Receiver), Higgins, Maclin? and Derek Stanley. is there anyone else that is almost positively going to be having return duties while being at least a part time player? this list seems short, but i also cant risk taking a player too early just cause of this. But im a big believer in Washington as a normal player as well, and the other backs

Clifton Smith

for guys you have left out:WR: Ginn, Hixon, CribbsRB: Reggie Bush, Jamaal Charles, Felix Jones, Ahmad Bradshaw

 

[Alias]

I just completed some projections for KR/PRs. I'll put my list below. I got my numbers by looking at ESPN's and FBG's depth charts, this forum thread, and projections from Yahoo. Some of the projections I tweaked based on things I've read or believe. I draft in 30 minutes. I'd love to hear back from all of you as to whether any of these projections are way out of whack so I can fix my numbers. Fantasy points are based on my league's (10 yards/pt and 6 pts per TD). Also, I do not get credit for defensive players that are also return guys, so they were dropped from my list:Rank Name Yards TDs Pts1 Derek Stanley 1743 1 180.32 Aveion Cason 1544 1 160.43 Josh Cribbs 1527 1 158.74 Leon Washington 1437 1 149.75 Mark Jones 1412 1 147.26 Clifton Smith 1345 2 146.57 Jamaal Charles 1375 1 143.58 Darren Sproles 1374 1 143.49 Jerious Norwood 1311 1 137.110 Ryne Robinson 1250 1 13111 Rock Cartwright 1210 1 12712 Andre Davis 1180 1 12413 Percy Harvin 958 1 101.814 Antonio Chatman 977 0 97.715 Felix Jones 937 0 93.716 Ted Ginn 935 0 93.517 Jeremy Maclin 796 1 85.618 Ahmad Bradshaw 770 0 7719 Justin Forsett 730 0 7320 Davone Bess 668 0 66.821 Domenik Hixon 624 0 62.422 Andre Caldwell 598 0 59.823 Reggie Bush 349 3 52.924 Johnnie Lee Higgins 358 1 41.825 Steve Breaston 376 0 37.626 Jacoby Jones 293 1 35.327 Roscoe Parrish 273 1 33.328 Patrick Crayton 314 0 31.429 Wes Welker 314 0 31.430 Yamon Figurs 249 0 24.931 Desean Jackson 244 0 24.4

Thanks for sharing!Are those yards/TDs just KR/PR-related?Good luck in your draft!Eph

YES

I rolled with these projections and adjusted for my scoring (only 1/20 yards) - does any see any major inconsistencies with these projections?

 

[Eph]

I rolled with these projections and adjusted for my scoring (only 1/20 yards) - does any see any major inconsistencies with these projections?

I like them and am using them also.

 

[yashi]

It would be nice to see the list with defensive players also, since Yahoo gives points to defensive players in leagues where return yards count.

 

[spider321]

It would be nice to see the list with defensive players also...

+1

 

[Eph]

It would be nice to see the list with defensive players also...

+1

Try this thread.

 

[Mike Herman]

BALTIMORE

And after a fairly active offseason and a similar preseason, the race to be the Ravens' primary return specialist has essentially boiled down to two players: veteran Chris Carr and rookie Lardarius Webb. Coach John Harbaugh made that clear after Thursday's practice when he was asked about getting repetitions for a return group that had also included Yamon Figurs and Jayson Foster. "We've got guys we want to look at," Harbaugh said. "We've also got guys that haven't had a lot of experience, and I'm talking about Lardarius Webb basically. He's a guy that needs a certain amount of reps because we have plans for him, and the other guys are going to have to take a back seat to that and get the reps where they can get them. But we're trying to get all of those guys in and take a look at them. We know Chris Carr is going to be here and Lardarius Webb is in our plans at this point, and then we just have to get those guys ready and work from there."

LINK

 

[yashi]

Is Jacoby Jones not returning kicks for the Texans anymore?

 

[Mike Herman]

Is Jacoby Jones not returning kicks for the Texans anymore?

Andre Davis is the kickoff returner. Jacoby will return punts, provided he makes the final roster.

 

[jadams209]

how much difference does 1pt. per 30 return yards affect a player`s value in a 12 man league? does the value of players who return kicks and play rb/WR gain a large amount? Who are the big money players outside reggie Bush, Desean jackson, leon washington? where can i find a site that shows kick and punt returners? thanks for the help.

J.

 

[footballnerd]

I just completed some projections for KR/PRs. I'll put my list below. I got my numbers by looking at ESPN's and FBG's depth charts, this forum thread, and projections from Yahoo. Some of the projections I tweaked based on things I've read or believe. I draft in 30 minutes. I'd love to hear back from all of you as to whether any of these projections are way out of whack so I can fix my numbers. Fantasy points are based on my league's (10 yards/pt and 6 pts per TD). Also, I do not get credit for defensive players that are also return guys, so they were dropped from my list:Rank Name Yards TDs Pts1 Derek Stanley 1743 1 180.32 Aveion Cason 1544 1 160.43 Josh Cribbs 1527 1 158.74 Leon Washington 1437 1 149.75 Mark Jones 1412 1 147.26 Clifton Smith 1345 2 146.57 Jamaal Charles 1375 1 143.58 Darren Sproles 1374 1 143.49 Jerious Norwood 1311 1 137.110 Ryne Robinson 1250 1 13111 Rock Cartwright 1210 1 12712 Andre Davis 1180 1 12413 Percy Harvin 958 1 101.814 Antonio Chatman 977 0 97.715 Felix Jones 937 0 93.716 Ted Ginn 935 0 93.517 Jeremy Maclin 796 1 85.618 Ahmad Bradshaw 770 0 7719 Justin Forsett 730 0 7320 Davone Bess 668 0 66.821 Domenik Hixon 624 0 62.422 Andre Caldwell 598 0 59.823 Reggie Bush 349 3 52.924 Johnnie Lee Higgins 358 1 41.825 Steve Breaston 376 0 37.626 Jacoby Jones 293 1 35.327 Roscoe Parrish 273 1 33.328 Patrick Crayton 314 0 31.429 Wes Welker 314 0 31.430 Yamon Figurs 249 0 24.931 Desean Jackson 244 0 24.4

Devin Hester is on the ESPN depth chart for PR and KR. Is that right?

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

I would be a little skeptical on that --- he got pulled off kr duty halfway through last season in favor of Manning, who was supposed to pick up where he left off 'til he hurt his hammy.

I haven't heard anything about Hester resuming kr duty AND holding down the WR gig, although I wouldn't say I'm the definitive word on Bears football.

Definitely vet that.

 

[jadams209]

no offense mark, but a TON of fantasy drafts are happening this weekend, so why wouldnt you update your rankings or or submit your returnerguys articles before the weekend and not next week? I am not trying to be rude but as a consumer of footballguys i think a speak on behalf of a lot of people that it would have been really nice for the article and/or rankings to come out this week.

John

 

[spider321]

Hester will probably not handle the kickoffs.

I doubt they want him starting at WR, returning punts, AND returning kickoffs.

 

[Mike Herman]

TIER RANKINGS

Revised grouping of the returners into tiers of relative value. It gives KR higher value over PR. It does not take offensive or defensive production into account. Still wide open competitions or likely return-by-committee situations are not ranked.

1. ELITE KR & PR

WR Josh Cribbs, Cle

RB Leon Washington, NYJ

RB Darren Sproles, SD

RB Clifton Smith, TB

2. KR & PR

CB Chris Carr, Bal

CB Will Blackmon, GB

DB Brian Witherspoon, Jac

RB Stefan Logan, Pit (IF he continues to impress in preseason)

DB Allen Rossum, SF

WR Mark Jones, Ten

3. ELITE KR

CB Leodis McKelvin, Buf

DB Danieal Manning, Chi

CB Justin Miller, Oak

4. ELITE PR

WR Roscoe Parrish, Buf

WR Devin Hester, Chi

WR Jacoby Jones, Hou (if he makes the final roster)

RB Reggie Bush, NO

WR Johnnie Lee Higgins, Oak

5. KR ONLY

RB LaRod Stephens-Howling, Ari (concussion?)

RB Jerious Norwood, Atl

WR Andre Caldwell, Cin

RB Felix Jones, Dal

WR Andre Davis, Hou

WR Ted Ginn Jr., Mia (depending on the whim of the coaching staff on any given week)

CB Ellis Hobbs, Phi

CB Josh Wilson, Sea

RB Rock Cartwright, Was

6. PR ONLY

WR Steve Breaston, Ari

CB Brent Grimes, Atl

WR Eddie Royal, Den (although he may share the role)

CB T.J. Rushing, Ind (might also handle kickoff returns?)

WR Davone Bess, Mia

WR Jaymar Johnson, Min

WR Nate Burleson, Sea (occasionally spelled by rookie WR Deon Butler)

7. ROOKIE CANDIDATES TO WATCH

CB Captain Munnerlyn, RB Mike Goodson, and WR Larry Beavers, Car

WR Quan Cosby, Cin, getting closer to winning roster spot & PR role

CB Alphonso Smith, Den

RB Aaron Brown, Det, getting closer to winning KR role

WR Derrick Williams, Det (has disappointed so far)

WR Julian Edelman, NE

WR Jeremy Maclin, Phi

CB Joe Burnett and WR Mike Wallace , Pit

 

[Jax]

I'm in a league that includes kickoff return yards/touchdowns as well as punt return yards/TD's towards a player's weekly stats. Does anyone know where I can find all of the various NFL teams' projected starters for KO and punt returns as well as some possible projections. I know the obvious ones (Cribbs, Leon Washington, Hester), but would like another reference. Thanks guys.

 

[BlackHawk]

FBG's

My league gives credit for individual players who get kick and punt return yardage. Obviously that bumps up WR's and RB's who return punts but we also do IDP and there are more than a few DB's that return kicks. Are there any projections on FBG's for returners in 2009?

Thanks

BlackHawk

 

[Mike Herman]

The following muffed punts in this week's games:

WR Lance Long, Ari

WR Derrick Williams, Det

CB Maurice Leggett, KC

S Pat Chung, NE

 

[apalmer]

TIER RANKINGS

Revised grouping of the returners into tiers of relative value. It gives KR higher value over PR. It does not take offensive or defensive production into account. Still wide open competitions or likely return-by-committee situations are not ranked.

2. KR & PR

CB Chris Carr, Bal

CB Will Blackmon, GB

DB Brian Witherspoon, Jac

RB Stefan Logan, Pit (IF he continues to impress in preseason)

DB Allen Rossum, SF

WR Mark Jones, Ten

He continued last night

 

[egg413]

One of my leagues just started with Kickoff/Punt return points this year (but only for WR/RB etc. no IDP), so I've been looking for this as well. The Depth charts seem to be the only place that has information about this on this site that I have seen. I am not entirely comfortable with them however as sometimes they appear out of date or do not identify the current returners properly on all teams.

Leon Washington seems like one of the best to have if your league awards points for returners, so bump up his projections. Some other RB/WR who might be good to get depending on your league are P. Harvin, T. Ginn/D. Bess (not sure which one), D. Hester, Felix Jones, J. Norwood. Does Bush still return kicks?