What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Punt and Kickoff Returners 2010 (1 Viewer)

Now that the draft is over- is there any reason to think that Joshua Cribbs won't be the primary kick AND punt returner for the Browns. I know they want to get him some more work as a receiver, but am in a league that requires a KR/PR starter that does not award points for other positions. Obviously, players that perform the dual role of KR/PR are more valuaube than just one or the other and Cribbs has always been one of the elite talents at this position- one beacuse he does both so effectively and two Cleveland D usually gives up plenty of points which results in more opps.

PS- Is there any data that lists in order of # of PR & KR opportunities by team? It might be helpful in determining some potential targets for this season.

 
2009 number of punt returns

50 NY Jets

49 San Francisco

48 Minnesota

46 Seattle

45 Arizona

45 Houston

44 Denver

40 Cincinnati

40 Tampa Bay

39 Baltimore

39 Chicago

39 Cleveland

39 Dallas

38 New England

37 St. Louis

36 NY Giants

36 Oakland

36 Pittsburgh

35 Philadelphia

34 Carolina

34 Green Bay

33 Buffalo

33 Miami

33 New Orleans

33 Tennessee

32 Kansas City

32 Washington

29 Indianapolis

28 Detroit

27 Atlanta

27 Jacksonville

26 San Diego

 
2009 number of kickoff returns

96 Detroit

80 Chicago

77 Kansas City

76 St. Louis

75 Miami

71 NY Giants

69 Cleveland

69 Tennessee

66 Jacksonville

66 Oakland

66 Pittsburgh

65 Washington

64 Buffalo

64 Houston

63 San Diego

62 Cincinnati

62 Tampa Bay

60 Seattle

59 Baltimore

58 Philadelphia

57 Denver

57 New Orleans

56 Minnesota

55 Atlanta

55 Indianapolis

54 Arizona

54 Green Bay

54 New England

52 San Francisco

51 Carolina

47 Dallas

44 NY Jets

 
Thanks Mike- these numbers definitely help in determining which returners on which teams might have more value. For example- the Punt Returner for the Jets might have more value than the kick returner - probably as a result of the Jets Defense. Was kind of surprised that Chicago had so many kick returns last year-

 
OAKLAND

The Oakland Raiders return game was a complete disaster in 2009. They were ranked near the bottom of the NFL in both punt and kickoff return yardage. The Raiders have added Yamon Figurs as a free agent and Jacoby Ford in the fourth round of the draft to compete with Jonathan Holland and Johnnie Lee Higgins. Shaun Bodiford who was on the practice squad in 2009 was also taking part in return drills during minicamp. The Raiders have a plethora of speed among their potential return corps. However they had speed in 2009, but the return game was still never a threat. The struggles in 2009 were a stark contrast from 2008 where the return game produced five touchdowns with three by Higgins on punt returns and two by now departed Justin Miller on kickoffs. The big change between those two years was the departure of special teams coordinator Brian Schneider and the promotion of John Fassel from assistant special teams coach to fill Schneider's shoes. The Raiders spent multiple sessions working on special teams drills during minicamp. However, there is no way to know the progress that is being made until they get the chance to face live bullets during the preseason. However, this is an area that the team is going to need to show improvement for 2010.
Click to expand...
LINK
 
WASHINGTON

A few notes about Redskins rookie wide receiver Terrence Austin, the seventh-round pick from UCLA who could be a candidate for playing time on special teams. In high school, Austin returned kicks but not punts. During a game against Lakewood his senior year, Austin returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in the first half, one a 99-yarder to open the game and another one for 82 yards just before the half to give his team a 21-3 lead. He didn't do punt returns until he got to UCLA, when he was frustrated by his lack of reps at receiver and was looking for a way to get on the field. By his junior year, he was doing both kickoff and punt returns, and he finished second in the Pac-10 in all-purpose yards, behind only Cal's Jahvid Best. "I love both," he told me. "The good thing about it I don't have to rely on anyone to get me the ball but the punter or the kicker. There's so many other things that you've got to worry about on offense, four or five other guys that has an option to get the ball. All it has to do is be returnable, and I get to do what I want to do with it once I get it.... "My vision is fairly good for a return guy. I'm shifty, I use angles very well, and I'm really quick. And I'm not indecisive on which way I want to go."
Click to expand...
link
 
ATLANTA

KR - Eric Weems, Dominique Franks, Jerious Norwood, Harry Douglas, Brian Finneran, Troy Bergeron, Michael Turner

After injuries to RB Jerious Norwood and WR Harry Douglas last year, WR Eric Weems stepped in to fill both return roles. He did well enough (25.3 yard average on 48 kickoff returns) to be the frontrunner for the jobs again this year. His primary challenger will likely be fifth round draft pick CB Dominique Franks, who averaged 21.5 yards on eight kickoffs during his three years at Oklahoma. Norwood could possibly be a factor, although he’ll more likely revert to a backup role. After showing hints of success as a rookie in 2006, he handled most of the kickoff returns in 2007 and 2008. Four others are potential backups. Douglas averaged 19.7 yards on returns during his college career at Louisville, but only 11.5 yards on four returns during his rookie year. RB Michael Turner proved to be a capable backup kickoff returner for the Chargers in 2006 (36 returns, 26.5 avg.). WR Brian Finneran fielded three kickoffs the past two years. WR Troy Bergeron handled kickoffs during his three years in the AFL.

PR - Eric Weems; Dominique Franks, Harry Douglas, Jerious Norwood, Brian Finneran, Dunta Robinson

Weems handled all 27 of the Falcons punt returns last year, averaging 10.0 yards, along with 14 fair catches. The rookie Franks is probably a stronger challenger to start on punt returns than on kickoffs. He averaged 11.9 yards on 29 career punt returns with the Sooners. The question mark is WR Harry Douglas who is coming off a torn ACL. As a rookie in 2008 he took over the punt returner role and paid dividends, averaging 11.9 yards on 19 returns and scoring once. Jerious Norwood occasionally returned punts during his career at Mississippi State. Brian Finneran field several punts in 2008, and had a two yard return and three fair catches. CB Dunta Robinson hasn’t returned punts since his senior year at South Carolina, but practiced in that role periodically for the Texans.

The last time the Falcons ranked in the top ten in fantasy return points was 2003. Last year they finished in 25th place.

 
BALTIMORE

KR – Lardarius Webb, Jalen Parmele, Chris Carr, David Reed, Prince Miller, Tom Zbikowski; Ray Rice

CB Lardarius Webb won the kickoff returner role last year (35 returns, 26.2 avg., 1 TD), however a torn ACL cut his season short. If/when he is adequately recovered; he could resume that role this year. RB Jalen Parmele showed he is capable of returning kicks, with a 31.4 yard average last year on nine returns. Two rookies have a shot at the role this year. Fifth round pick WR David Reed led Utah during his junior year with a 25.4 yard average on 25 returns. The dark horse candidate is undrafted CB Prince Miller, who had only one kickoff return during his career at Georgia, but had plenty of punt returns. CB Chris Carr (13 returns, 24.2 avg.) appears to have slipped into a backup role. He previously spent three quantity-laden years as the return specialist for the Raiders and one quality year for the Titans. DB Tom Zbikowski and RB Ray Rice both handled several returns in 2008, but had none last year.

PR - Chris Carr, Ed Reed, Prince Miller, Tom Zbikowski, Haruki Nakamura, Derrick Mason

Chris Carr hadn’t been as productive on punts, where he averaged between 6.2 and 6.6 yards during his time in Oakland, but he averaged 10.1 yards on punt returns for the Titans in 2008 and averaged 8.2 yards for the Ravens last year. FS Ed Reed has occasionally returned punts during his career with the Ravens, including seven last year. During his college career at Georgia, Prince Miller averaged 9.8 yards on 44 punt returns and scored once. Tom Zbikowski averaged 10.2 yards on 23 returns during his final year at Notre Dame, and scored three times during his college career. Haruki Nakamura averaged 6.7 yards on 31 career college returns. Although WR Derrick Mason had no returns the last five years, he has plenty of experience returning punts from his years with the Titans (career 182 returns, 8.7 avg., 2 TDs).

The Ravens ranked 30th in fantasy return points in 2008 and 26th last year.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Looking forward to see what Trindon the little man Holliday can do for the Texans this year with better ST blocking/coaching than he's ever had....

Once he hits 25 yds, it is impossible to catch him....

 
BUFFALO

KR - Leodis McKelvin, C.J. Spiller, Fred Jackson, Terrence McGee, Roscoe Parrish, Chad Simpson, Chad Jackson, Joique Bell

The Bills have an intriguing array of kickoff returners. As a rookie, CB Leodis McKelvin stepped in and handled 52 kickoff returns (28.2 avg.) and scored once. He ended up as the 9th ranked fantasy returner in the NFL. He didn’t get a chance to repeat that last year due to a broken leg. Even if he is fully recovered, he may not resume that role, as the Bills drafted RB C.J. Spiller in the first round. During his senior year at Clemson he averaged 32.8 yards on kickoff returns and scored four TDs. RB Fred Jackson handled the majority of the Bills kickoff returns last year (41 returns, 24.7 avg.). Although CB Terrence McGee is/was one of the better KRs in the NFL, the Bills were able to limit him to four kickoff returns the last two years and let him focus on defense. Newcomer RB Chad Simpson (38 returns, 23.6 avg., 1 TD with Indianapolis last year) could also factor into the mix. Backups include WR/PR Roscoe Parrish (11 returns, 23.5 avg. last year) and WR Chad Jackson (8 returns, 20.3 avg. with Denver in 2008). Undrafted RB Joique Bell, who returned kicks at Wayne State, is a long shot.

PR - Fred Jackson, Roscoe Parrish, Leodis McKelvin, Jairus Byrd, Joique Bell

Roscoe Parrish emerged as the Bills top punt returner during his rookie year in 2005, and possibly peaked in 2008 with a 15.3 yard average. Last year (24 returns, 5.5 avg.) he lost the job for awhile but then regained it after the interim coaching change. Whether he fits in this year’s new coaches plans remains to be seen. Fred Jackson proved capable each of the last two years (6 returns, 11.5 avg. in 2009). Although Leodis McKelvin has primarily handled kickoffs in the pros, in 2007 at Troy he averaged 17.4 yards on 25 punt returns and scored three TDs on punts bringing his college career total to seven. Safety Jairus Byrd averaged 12.3 yards on punt returns for Oregon in 2008 and scored once.

After being a perennial top ten in fantasy return points, the Bills dropped to 23rd last year.

 
CAROLINA

KR – Kenneth Moore, Tyrell Sutton, Mike Goodson, Brian Witherspoon, Dexter Jackson, Armanti Edwards, Trent Guy, Jonathan Stewart, Captain Munnerlyn

The Panthers tried three players on kickoff returns last year without much success: RB Mike Goodson (17 returns, 20.7 avg), RB Tyrell Sutton (14 returns, 21.6 avg), and WR Kenneth Moore (10 returns, 21.9 avg). They could again compete for the role, along with several others of limited success. CB Brian Witherspoon failed to keep the return specialist role in Jacksonville and WR Dexter Jackson failed to keep the return specialist role in Tampa Bay. Third round draft pick WR (former QB) Armanti Edwards from Appalachian State never handled returns in his life prior to this offseason. Undrafted WR Trent Guy did handle kickoff returns in college, averaging 24.7 yards during his senior year at Louisville. Although RB Jonathan Stewart fared well on kickoff returns in college, the Panthers have used him sparingly in that role - 15 returns, 23.3 avg. as a rookie and only twice last year.

PR - Captain Munnerlyn, Kenneth Moore, Brian Witherspoon, Dexter Jackson, Robert McClain, Armanti Edwards, Steve Smith

While the Panthers continued to search for a KR last year, they settled on CB Captain Munnerlyn to handled punts (31 returns, 9.0 avg). Kenneth Moore, who had failed to seize the Lions return specialist role in 2008, averaged only 2.0 yard on his two punt returns last year. Seventh draft pick CB Robert McClain averaged 12.6 yards on 21 punt returns for Connecticut last year and scored once. WR Steve Smith has not led the team in punt returns since 2005. He has handled limited punt returns the last several years, including one for ten yards in 2008.

Carolina has ranked near the bottom of the fantasy return rankings in five of the last six years (32nd, 32nd, 28th, 32nd, 15th and 30th).

 
CHICAGO

KR – Johnny Knox, Danieal Manning, Devin Hester, Rashied Davis, Earl Bennett, Chester Taylor, D.J. Moore, Juaquin Iglesias, Garrett Wolfe, Corey Graham

The Bears have two capable starters on kickoff returns. Part way through 2008, DB Danieal Manning took over kickoff returns and provided a spark, averaging 29.7 yards on 36 returns and scoring once. WR Johnny Knox emerged as a threat during his rookie season last year, averaging 29.0 yards on 32 kickoff returns and scoring once. Chicago has a boatload of potential backups. After two magical years on returns, Devin Hester became a starting WR and was demoted to a backup on kickoff returns (7 returns, 22.3 avg. last year). Rashied Davis was the lead kickoff returner during parts of 2005 and 2006, and has been a backup since. RB Chester Taylor has experience returning kickoffs from his years with the Ravens, and had 10 returns with a 23.4 avg. for the Vikings in 2008. WR Earl Bennett handled kickoffs during his freshman year at Vanderbilt and had two returns last year. CB D.J. Moore averaged 22.8 yards on kickoff returns during his career at Vanderbilt. WR Juaquin Iglesias averaged 26.4 yards on kickoff returns during his career at Oklahoma and scored once. RB Garrett Wolfe had 5 returns (19.6 avg.) in 2008. CB Corey Graham scored twice on kickoff returns during his college career at New Hampshire.

PR – Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, D.J. Moore, Johnny Knox, Juaquin Iglesias, Rashied Davis, Danieal Manning

Devin Hester averaged 12.8 yards in 2006, improved to 15.5 yards in 2007, but dropped to 6.2 in 2008 and 7.8 last year. After two years as the number one returner, he dropped to 25th in 2008 and 43rd in 2009 among fantasy returners. Earl Bennett produced stronger numbers last year, averaging 10.2 yards on 14 returns and scoring once. During their final year of college in 2008, D.J. Moore averaged 14.4 yards on punt, Johnny Knox averaged only 7.4 yards, and Juaquin Iglesias lost yardage. Rashied Davis handled five punts in 2005 (6.2 avg.). Danieal Manning averaged 22.0 yards (1st in Division II) on punt returns during his senior year at Abilene Christian in 2005.

The Bears have ranked in the top ten in fantasy returns each of the last four years.

 
CINCINNATI

KR – Bernard Scott, Andre Caldwell, Quan Cosby, Tom Nelson, Johnny Sears

RB Bernard Scott emerged as the Bengals top kickoff return threat last year, averaging 31.5 yards on 16 returns and scoring once. WR Andre Caldwell averaged 20.3 on kickoff returns during his career at Florida, and averaged 18.4 yards on 13 returns last year. Two second year players are potential backups. WR Quan Cosby averaged 23.7 yards on kickoff returns during his career at Texas and scored once. Safety Tom Nelson averaged 24.7 yards on kickoff returns during his career at Illinois State and scored once. Undrafted rookie CB Johnny Sears averaged 22.9 yards on 33 kickoff returns for eastern Michigan last year.

PR - Quan Cosby, Adam Jones, Jordan Shipley, Tom Nelson, Leon Hall

Quan Cosby averaged 11.7 yards on punt returns during his college career and scored once. As a rookie last year, he handled all of the Bengals punt returns (40 returns, 11.9 avg., 19 fair catches). CB Adam Pacman Jones’ 12.9 yard average with the Titans in 2006 led the NFL that year. He also scored three times. Third round draft pick WR Jordan Shipley could factor into the mix this year. He averaged 13.0 yards on 24 returns and scored twice for Texas last year. Tom Nelson averaged 15.6 yards and scored once during his senior year in college. CB Leon Hall (3 returns, 5.3 avg. in 2008) should once again be available as a backup.

The Bengals 9th place ranking in fantasy returns last year was their first top ten finish in many, many years.

 
Hooper31 said:
Jayrod said:
I'm real curious about what Seattle is going to do with Leon Washington and Golden Tate.
Click to expand...
At the moment I expect...KR: WashingtonPR: TateThe KR duties will depend on Washington's health.
Click to expand...
Thanks.What happens with this really determines what I do our rookie draft because if Tate gets KR duty, he'll be a huge asset. I think he may get that duty at some point anyway with Washington's injury likely limiting him even if he is considered "100%".
 
Jayrod said:
What happens with this really determines what I do our rookie draft because if Tate gets KR duty, he'll be a huge asset. I think he may get that duty at some point anyway with Washington's injury likely limiting him even if he is considered "100%".
Click to expand...
http://blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks/20...toward-full-go/
Running back Leon Washington also worked through agility drills after practice, and all three (a reference to Housh and Branch here too) appear to be working their way toward getting on the field full time for the beginning of training camp at the end of July.
Click to expand...
Sounds like general off-season hope. Hard to interpret these sorts of quips.
 
NY GIANTS

KR –Danny Ware, Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Brown, Sinorice Moss, Hakeem Nicks, Domenik Hixon

Towards the end of the 2007 regular season, WR Domenik Hixon took over the lead kickoff returner role (8 returns, 27.6 avg., 1 TD) and continued in that capacity through their Super Bowl run. In 2008 he had only three returns (albeit with a 60.0 yard average) due to his workload on offense and punt returns. He resumed the lead role last year (57 returns, 22.6 avg.), but is lost for 2010 after tearing his ACL in June. RB Danny Ware had three kickoff returns for 36 yards in college at Georgia. He had two for 37 yards for the Giants last year. RB Ahmad Bradshaw handled the majority of kickoffs for most of 2007 and 2008 (39 returns, 22.2 avg. in 2008), however he had none last year. RB Andre Brown averaged 20.1 yards on kickoff returns during his college career at N.C. State. The returner that the Giants thought might be lurking within WR Sinorice Moss still hasn’t materialized (6 returns, 18.2 avg. last year); however he’ll get another chance due to Hixon’s injury. WR Hakeem Nicks averaged 19.1 yards on seven returns during his final year at North Carolina, and had one 16 yarder as a rookie last year.

PR – Aaron Ross, Sinorice Moss, Chad Jones, Mario Manningham, Ahmad Bradshaw, Antrel Rolle, Domenik Hixon

Hixon’s injury also creates a job opening on punt returns. CB Aaron Ross averaged 11.8 yards on punt returns during college at Texas and scored three times, and has been itching to return punts in the NFL. Sinorice Moss finally got some regular season returns with the Giants last year (11 returns, 6.7 avg.). Third round draft pick safety Chad Jones averaged 14.3 yards on nine punt returns for LSU last year and scored once. WR Mario Manningham had only one punt return (17 yards) during his college career at Michigan, but practiced in that role last year. Ahmad Bradshaw also surfaced as a backup last year (6 returns, 9.2 avg.). Safety Antrel Rolle served as a backup for Arizona last year (6 returns, 9.2 avg.). Domenik Hixon averaged 7.7 yards on punt returns during his senior year at Akron, and scored on a punt return during his junior year. Last year he averaged 15.1 yards on 17 returns and scored once.



The Giants climbed to 12th in fantasy returns last year after having ranked 27th in 2008.

 
do these projections seem realistic for total return yrds 2010:

Amendola-1650

Logan-1550

Ginn-1200

Weems-1350

Knox-1200

Royal-1400

Harvin-1200

 
Mike Herman said:
NY GIANTS
Click to expand...
The Giants also claimed WR/KR Chris Davis from the Cincinnati Bengals. Davis is obviously being brought in to compete for the primary kick return job in the wake of Domenik Hixon's season ending injury.Davis (5-10, 181) was a fourth-round Tennessee draft choice in 2007, and in two seasons (2007-08) with the Titans, he played in 17 games plus two postseason games as a receiver and kick returner. He averaged 9.1 yards on 33 punt returns, 26.0 yards on six kickoff returns and had seven receptions for 69 yards. He also had two special teams fumble recoveries.Davis was waived by Tennessee, with an injury settlement, on Aug. 28 of last year, and he was not with an NFL team during the 2009 regular season.
 
Who keeps the best special team depth charts out there? I question FBG's because they have MJD listed as the KR but isn't that Mike Thomas at KR/PR? Just looking for the most reliable source out there.

 
newbvick said:
Who keeps the best special team depth charts out there? I question FBG's because they have MJD listed as the KR but isn't that Mike Thomas at KR/PR? Just looking for the most reliable source out there.
Click to expand...
For returners, considering looking at the Team Reports. Yes, Mike Thomas is the lead candidate for those roles for the Jags.Jacksonville link

Kick Returners: Mike Thomas, Scotty McGee, Deji Kareem, Maurice Jones-Drew, Montell Owens, Rashad Jennings, Troy Williamson, Scott Starks

WR Mike Thomas averaged 22.6 yards on kickoff returns during his senior year at Arizona. As a rookie last year, he took over as the primary returner (26 returns, 24.8 avg.) after Brian Witherspoon was released. He'll be challenged for that role this year by two rookies. The primary competitor is sixth round draft pick CB Scotty McGee, who averaged 30.5 yards on kickoff returns last year and scored three TDs during his career at James Madison. Another sixth round rookie, RB Deji Kareem, took on kickoff returns during his senior year at Southern Illinois and averaged 30.9 yards along with one score. As a rookie in 2006, RB Maurice Drew did an excellent job on kickoff returns (31 returns, 27.7 avg., 1 TD). In 2007 he essentially had a repeat performance (31 returns, 26.2 avg., 1 TD). His returns have decreased but not vanished the last two years, 13 in 2008 and 4 in 2009, as his role on offense increased. Backups/Upmen include and RB Montell Owens (3 returns, 16.3 avg.), RB Rashad Jennings (3 returns, 18.7 avg.), and DB Scott Starks (5 returns, 16.2 avg. in 2007). WR Troy Williamson began 2006 as the Vikings starting kickoff returner (14 returns, 23.1 avg.), but was eventually replaced by Bethel Johnson.

Punt Returners: Mike Thomas, Scotty McGee, Maurice Jones-Drew, Nate Hughes, Derek Cox, Rashean Mathis

Mike Thomas' 13.5 yard average on punt returns in 2008 was 15th in the NCAA, and he also scored twice. After taking over punt returns for the Jags last year, he averaged 8.4 yards on 14 returns. Scotty McGee is also the primary challenger on punt returns. He averaged 12.9 yards a return during his junior year in college. Maurice Jones-Drew led the NCAA in punt return average (28.5 yards) in 2005, and returned three for TDs. He's had limited punt return opportunities since joining the NFL (2 returns, 9.5 avg. last year). Among the backups is WR Nate Hughes (2 returns, 9.0 avg.). CB Derek Cox scored twice on punt returns in 2008 for William & Mary. CB Rashean Mathis has been used sparingly on punt returns by the Jaguars (one or two a year); however he has experience from back in college at Bethune-Cookman (55 returns, 11.6 avg., 2 TDs).



The Jaguars have ranked 22nd, 20th, 24th, and 20th in fantasy returns the last four years.

 
The New York Giants waived wide receiver Domenik Hixon, who recently underwent surgery on his torn anterior cruciate ligament, on Thursday afternoon. The team then signed wide receiver Adam Jennings, a 2006 sixth-round pick of Atlanta. Hixon underwent surgery 10 days ago after suffering a season-ending knee injury during the team's first practice on the new turf at the New Meadowlands Stadium last month. If Hixon clears waivers, however, the Giants are expected to place the popular wide receiver on injured reserve.
Click to expand...
link
 
where can I find a good article or forum discussion regarding drafting stategy in standard redraft leagues that include pts. for returners?

 
spider pig said:
do these projections seem realistic for total return yrds 2010: Amendola-1650 Logan-1550 Ginn-1200 Weems-1350 Knox-1200 Royal-1400 Harvin-1200
Click to expand...
Mike, I remember you did this kind of list last year.Will you be doing this again? When might you start?Also, I'm saddened to see that DD still doesn't have these numbers built in. But, if you can provide again, that's a definite advantage vs. the competition!Thanks,Eph
 
My league gives 1 pt per 20 return yards, 6 pts for all TD's and 1 pt per 10 yards rushing/receving (0.5 pts per reception).

Last year in my scoring system I noticed the following

Jamaal Charles finished as the #5 overall RB

Darren Sproles finished as the #10 overall RB (in the previous year he was the #18 overall RB)

DeSean Jackson was the #2 overall WR

Wes Welker was the #5 overall WR - despite only having 4TDs (previous year he was the #11 overall WR)

Percy Harvin was the #8 overall WR

Joshua Cribbs was the #18 overall WR (in the previous year he was the #49WR)

What would be your strategy heading into a draft like this. Would you target these guys and snag them a round before their ADP? If so potentially you would be looking at grabbing Desean Jackson with a 2nd round pick, JC with a 3rd round pick, Wes Welker and Percy Harvin in the 4th and 5th rounds

The league also starts 2QB's and last year the QB's came off the board as such

Round1 - 4

Round2 - 2

Round3 - 3

Round4 - 2

Round5 - 0

Round6 - 2

How do I maximize this info? Where would you find the value in this draft?

 
Last edited by a moderator:
We currently award 6 pts for a return TD but give nothing for yards. I briefly considered bring this up in my league but our scoring is pretty high already.

But if you do this you probably should give defenses (or IDPs) return yards on INTs & fumbles recoveries as well.

 
I assume that everyone else knows about the scoring's effect on the players in question, so ADP reports aren't likely to help much. I think you'd be better off targeting the WR or RB with next-to-nothing value in a standard PPR league that might become a flex (someone like Jordy Nelson) than going after Cribbs, Sproles, etc. That's probably where the real value is.

I also asked a question about guys to look at in return leagues on last week's Audible (don't remember what minute it was though). If you haven't already, you might want to check it out.

 
I try not to let it affect y drafting too much unless the player is a stud in real life at his actual position, ie Welker and DeSean as WRs (Who came 1st and 3rd respectively in my returns league). Cribbs, Sproles, Washington the year before, they always end up hurting when push comes to shove because you can't rely on return yardage to provide you with any consistency. Sure it's nice for DeSean to get a few extra points a game but in the end I would prefer a WR who might score the same as a returner one year who actually got the points because of his catching ability. Your Hester's, Cribbs etc don't last long as elites, so you had better hope they develop their skills elsehwere or sell them for their inflated value.

 
1 point per 20 return ayds is a little high, we use 1 per 40 yards. It makes finding a WR3 and RB3 that much easier in deeper leagues, I am in (2) 32 team leagues where you have to start 3 WR

 
I think a lot of it would have to do with the league's drafting tendencies. If your leaguemates tend to overlook the inflated values of these guys, they may slide a little making them better value. Like another poster mentioned, getting guys like Welker and DeSean likely won't make that much of a difference as everyone wants them already.

The fact that your league requires 2 QB's will likely make a few more RB/WR fall a round or two, but I don't think it would cause a huge value-shirt.

IMO, a prudent move would be to find a 3rd or 4th string RB or WR on a team with a bad defence who is the primary KR and who will be returning more kickoffs due to the D giving up more frequent FGs and TDs.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Point #1- in leagues that reward all return yards equally, punt returners are useless unless they have a sizeable role in the offense, as well. Generally, a good punt returner will put up around 250 yards a year (sometimes higher, sometimes lower). In 1 pt per 20 scoring, that's the same as an extra 125 yards receiving. It's a nice little bonus if the receiver is already putting up 1200 yards receiving like Jackson or Welker... but pretty much irrelevant if the guy is a 4th string WR getting 500 yards a year.

Point #2- The average kickoff returner will put up a *TON* more yards than the average punt returner. This is because most kickoff returns go for 20 yards before the player even gets touched. Decent kickoff returners with the lion's share of their teams' workload will regularly put up 1200 return yards a year. That's the equivalent of 600 receiving yards, which is a much nicer bonus. As a result, if you're going to target a returner, gamble on Percy Harvin or Felix Jones (who return kickoffs) instead of Jacoby Jones or Devin Hester (who return punts). Unless, of course, you really like Jones or Hester and think they're going to do a lot on offense this year.

Point #3- at the end of the day, a player has to have SOME offensive production to supplement his returns, or else he's not worth bothering with. That's why Cribbs was better last year than he was the year before. Keep an eye out for returners who could possibly see an increased load on offense, or offensive starters who could possibly see some return duty, and try to roster a couple as sleepers. Backup RBs who handle kick returns (like Jamaal Charles) can frequently be good gambles because if something happens to the starter you're getting the returns *AND* the offense.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

The Frankman
Kameron Johnson - WR, Tampa Bay
Replies
1
Views
404
The Frankman
The Frankman
ignatiusjreilly
Onesie (QB/TE) draft strategy, 2025
Replies
25
Views
1K
ignatiusjreilly
ignatiusjreilly
barackdhouse
5 Europe games coming over the next 7 weeks. Might want to pay attention.
Replies
14
Views
411
Gally
G

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 1 (members: 0, guests: 1)
Back
Top