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Punt and Kickoff Returners 2011 (1 Viewer)

I've read that RB DeMarco Murray is being talked about as a potential return option for the Cowboys so it could give him a slight boost over similar rookies you may have rated around him.

 
KR won't have much of an impact unless they go AFL style and let them catch the ball off the net haha. But i think Cobb is the best Rookie PR option.

 
I'll actually be surprised if Murray does it in Dallas. In my opinion, Dwayne Harris is more likely to be the guy. I think he'll be the primary punt returner as well. Of course, Dez will get in there from time to time. When it's all said and done, I think Harris is going to surprise a lot of people. Though he lacks the straight line speed Murray has, the guys explosive, he has some wiggle, he's tough and he's a gamer.

I'm not sure if he's been mentioned, but I think Torrey Smith could potentially do it too. They also have David Reed who did a good job last season. If Brad Smith leaves New York, Jeremy Kerley will probably be his replacement. He'll play the slot and can return kicks and punts. I also think Aldrick Robinson has potential as well even though Banks is going to be the primary.

As already mentioned, Jernigan and Cobb will probably do it too.

Other potentials:

Edmund Gates (Kicks)

Keoloha Pilares (Punts)

Greg Salas (Punts)

Ricardo Lockette (Free Agent Rookie)

Noel Devin (Free Agent Rookie - Already Mentioned)

Cameron Kenney (Free Agent Rookie)

Nic Grigsby (Free Agent Rookie)

Derrick Lock (Free Agent Rookie)

 
'Whitney26 said:
I'll actually be surprised if Murray does it in Dallas. In my opinion, Dwayne Harris is more likely to be the guy. I think he'll be the primary punt returner as well. Of course, Dez will get in there from time to time. When it's all said and done, I think Harris is going to surprise a lot of people. Though he lacks the straight line speed Murray has, the guys explosive, he has some wiggle, he's tough and he's a gamer.I'm not sure if he's been mentioned, but I think Torrey Smith could potentially do it too. They also have David Reed who did a good job last season. If Brad Smith leaves New York, Jeremy Kerley will probably be his replacement. He'll play the slot and can return kicks and punts. I also think Aldrick Robinson has potential as well even though Banks is going to be the primary.As already mentioned, Jernigan and Cobb will probably do it too_Other potentials:Edmund Gates (Kicks)Keoloha Pilares (Punts)Greg Salas (Punts)Ricardo Lockette (Free Agent Rookie)Noel Devin (Free Agent Rookie - Already Mentioned)Cameron Kenney (Free Agent Rookie)Nic Grigsby (Free Agent Rookie)Derrick Lock (Free Agent Rookie)
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What makes you think Kenney would do it? Broyles was our PR while Finch and Murray took KRs.
 
'HittinHard said:
I,d say Talwan Jones will get a chance to show us what he can do.
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That is a couple of votes for Taiwan Jones. Jacoby Ford was the top KR returner in the last 3-4 games of 2010. I'd be shocked to see Ford lose the punt return duties, but I do see Taiwan in there on the kickoff return team with Ford.
 
I think with Jones it may be more a case that he'll be the 3rd string RB (if they re-sign Bush) and that they'll want Ford to focus more on being a WR by limiting/nixing his return duties entirely. Also Ford didn't return any punts for the Raiders last year. Their PRs were Nick Miller and WR Johnnie Lee Higgins.

 
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'Instinctive said:
'Whitney26 said:
I'll actually be surprised if Murray does it in Dallas. In my opinion, Dwayne Harris is more likely to be the guy. I think he'll be the primary punt returner as well. Of course, Dez will get in there from time to time. When it's all said and done, I think Harris is going to surprise a lot of people. Though he lacks the straight line speed Murray has, the guys explosive, he has some wiggle, he's tough and he's a gamer.I'm not sure if he's been mentioned, but I think Torrey Smith could potentially do it too. They also have David Reed who did a good job last season. If Brad Smith leaves New York, Jeremy Kerley will probably be his replacement. He'll play the slot and can return kicks and punts. I also think Aldrick Robinson has potential as well even though Banks is going to be the primary.As already mentioned, Jernigan and Cobb will probably do it too_Other potentials:Edmund Gates (Kicks)Keoloha Pilares (Punts)Greg Salas (Punts)Ricardo Lockette (Free Agent Rookie)Noel Devin (Free Agent Rookie - Already Mentioned)Cameron Kenney (Free Agent Rookie)Nic Grigsby (Free Agent Rookie)Derrick Lock (Free Agent Rookie)
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What makes you think Kenney would do it? Broyles was our PR while Finch and Murray took KRs.
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While talented, Kenney stil isn't on the same level as Murray, Finch or Broyles. However, he does have some limited experience returning kicks and he's an explosive prospect. If he can get in the right situation, I wouldn't be surprised to see him line up deep.
 
'Cipherchris said:
I got a sleeper KRJeremy Kerley. With Brad Smith gone, he'll be the next KR
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He also got rave reviews from Sanchez and other players (sure there's some typical offseason "fluff" there) about his route running and hands during the player organized OTAs. The Jets camps were very well organized and extensive.
 
My League rewards return yards at a 1:2 ratio of rush/recv yards. Last year Danny Amendola finished with more pts than Andre Johnson............other than Harvin, and DJAX do you expect any other WR's to be in a similiar position?

It's also a 0.5ppr league.

 
Josh Cribbs

Dez Bryant

Devin Hester

Jacoby Ford

Brandon Tate

Cribbs had an off year (got rocked by the steelers, out for a hand full of games) but he is easily in the top 4 active kick returners.

If I had to rank active kick returner WRs in fantasy:

Desean Jackson(highest potential of being pulled off returns)

Dez Bryant(second highest)

Percy Harvin

Josh Cribbs

Devin Hester

Jacoby Ford

Brandon Tate

Danny Amendola (everything points to them bringing in a WR which will hurt his receptions and either Darren Sproles or Reggie Bush will almost certainly be running back kicks)

 
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I wonder whether the 'boys will ever use Bryant as a returner again after he got hurt doing it last season.

For those of you in leagues that reward returns, you should be paying very close attention to this thread. These types of WRs are usually severely undervalued in return leagues from my past experience. Harvin (as usual) and Ford in particular stand out to me as solid value plays this year in this category.

 
I have been playing in return yardage leagues for a number of years now...keep in mind this year that the kickoff starting point is going to be setup 5 yards closer to the endzone, which is projected to significantly increase the number of touchbacks this year...i would really temper my expectations regarding players like brandon tate, who seem to get a majority of their points on KR....obviously this will have no effect on the PR's

 
'asn4play said:
I have been playing in return yardage leagues for a number of years now...keep in mind this year that the kickoff starting point is going to be setup 5 yards closer to the endzone, which is projected to significantly increase the number of touchbacks this year...i would really temper my expectations regarding players like brandon tate, who seem to get a majority of their points on KR....obviously this will have no effect on the PR's
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Good point on the KR and PR's. Everyone on here forget about Dexter McCluster? :banned:
 
'the spanker said:
'asn4play said:
I have been playing in return yardage leagues for a number of years now...keep in mind this year that the kickoff starting point is going to be setup 5 yards closer to the endzone, which is projected to significantly increase the number of touchbacks this year...i would really temper my expectations regarding players like brandon tate, who seem to get a majority of their points on KR....obviously this will have no effect on the PR's
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Good point on the KR and PR's. Everyone on here forget about Dexter McCluster? :banned:
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Didnt forget, I didnt include. Hes one of 3 chiefs that run back kicks and he has the highest injury risk.
 
A couple more that haven't been mentioned yet:

Michael Spurlock, TB

Emmanuel Sanders, Pit

Andre Roberts, Ari

Brad Smith, F/A

I would put Jacoby Ford right near the top of my list for WRs that could jump up to the top 20 in Return yardage leagues.

Desean Jackson had only 231 return yards last year, so i don't really see him getting much of a boost in return yardage leagues.

 
A tad delayed due to the pesky lockout, another year of punt and kickoff returners (the second most intriguing positions in the game) is finally here...

 
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SAN DIEGO

Chargers CB Antoine Cason was given a 2-4 week timetable after Monday's surgery to repair a broken finger. The starter opposite Quentin Jammer will be back well before the start of the season. Cason had been projected as the primary punt returner, so this could be an opening for rookies Marcus Gilchrist and Jordan Todman to seize the job.
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GREEN BAY

Rookie receiver Randall Cobb made several difficult catches throughout Monday's practice and appears to have an early comfort level in the offense. McCarthy credits him for being a quick learner. Cobb outstretched his body for multiple catches across the middle of the field, including one high zinger from Rodgers. For now, the punt-return job is his to lose but his role on the offense is still unknown. Right now, he's the fifth wideout behind Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones and Jordy Nelson.
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GREEN BAY, part 2

Having watched Sam Shields, Jordy Nelson, Pat Lee and James Starks run them back in pedestrian fashion, Thompson went looking for a kickoff man and drafted Randall Cobb. He ranked among the top seven or eight dual return men in the draft. In three seasons at Kentucky, Cobb averaged 9.8 in 63 punts and 24.6 in 44 kickoffs. Slocum went so far as to compare him to hard-charging Josh Cribbs of Cleveland, another former collegiate quarterback. "He's a good catcher of the ball," said Slocum. "He has ability as a punt returner to get vertical quickly. I rarely saw him get hit very hard. He's got good strength and excellent character, too."

The new face on kickoffs also could be running back Alex Green, a 225-pounder with good but not great speed. Cobb runs 40 yards in 4.47; Green runs a 4.52. Green has just one kickoff return (2009) at any level and had a major fumbling problem at Hawaii. "No doubt about it," Green replied Wednesday when asked if he wanted the job. "I like to get up field as fast as possible without making too many moves."
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it would be nice if we could use the FBG tools (PD/DD/LD) for return yards, but for another year it seems it will be lacking. :brokenrecord:

 
this was touched on earlier, but what kind of impact will it have on the kick return game now that kickoffs will happen 5 yards closer? here are the top kick returners from last year in total yards:

Code: 
Rk	Player	                Team	Pos	Ret	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD1	LaRod Stephens-Howling	ARI	RB	57	1,548	27.2	102T	22	Marc Mariani	        TEN	WR	60	1,530	25.5	98T	13	Leon Washington	        SEA	RB	57	1,461	25.6	101T	34	Stefan Logan	        DET	WR	55	1,448	26.3	105T	15	Brad Smith	        NYJ	WR	50	1,432	28.6	97T	26	Jacoby Ford	        OAK	WR	53	1,280	24.2	101T	37	Bernard Scott	        CIN	RB	56	1,257	22.4	60	07	Darren Sproles	        SD	RB	51	1,257	24.6	45	09	Deji Karim	        JAC	RB	50	1,248	25	65	010	Brandon Banks	        WAS	WR	46	1,155	25.1	96T	1
I would assume the the return averages would be roughly the same, but the number of returns would be down because of more touchbacks. if last year's average number of returns for the top 10 guys was 53.5, what percentage of that goes away because of touchbacks? kickers can get it pretty close to the goalline as is, so I would think there would be a lot more touchbacks. could the average number of returns go down by 25%...maybe even 50%?
 
'Macdaddy_2004 said:
My League rewards return yards at a 1:2 ratio of rush/recv yards. Last year Danny Amendola finished with more pts than Andre Johnson............other than Harvin, and DJAX do you expect any other WR's to be in a similiar position?It's also a 0.5ppr league.
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Ford, Tate, and of course Bryant could be good starters for you
 
ATLANTA

Q: Did Jacquizz Rodgers return kickoffs or punts in college?

A: Yeah, 22, Rodgers returned kickoffs. We have some options there. We have [Eric] Weems. We get Harry [Douglas] back. We have some options in terms of what we are doing on the back end. Eric did a helluva job last year, but you never know. Every year is different. Every year you have to go back out and compete again. We are starting to get deep, so I have some weapons.

- special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong
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BALTIMORE

Cornerback Lardarius Webb is the Ravens' primary punt returner. He averaged 9.5 yards last season. He also had a 55-yard return for a touchdown in a playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it was wiped out due to a penalty. "Lardarius Webb finished the season as our punt returner, and he was a very explosive returner for us," assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg said. "If you recall when he took over, things changed, including the dynamic return in the playoff game that he scored on. Lardarius is taking our returns right now as our No. 1 guy, but we're always looking for returners. "That never changes. Every year we try and get as many guys back there to catch the ball and show us what they can do as we possibly can. This year is no different, but Lardarius is definitely our lead guy as far as punt returner at this point in time."
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NEW ORLEANS

Darren Sproles has been doing a lot of kickoff return work, but he worked today on punt returns as well. Have to tell you, he is looking faster and faster every single time he touches the ball. Lance Moore was also back doing punt returns and Thomas Morstead was practicing his coffin corner kicks.
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'Mike Herman said:
A tad delayed due to the pesky lockout, another year of punt and kickoff returners (the second most intriguing positions in the game) is finally here...
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Mike its great to have this section back! A huge help to us who have leagues that use individual return yds and individual return TDs as part of our scoring systems. Thanks again! :thumbup:
 
(Rotoworld) Mike Thomas is listed as the Jaguars' No. 1 punt returner on their initial depth chart. Analysis: The Jags apparently aren't worried about Thomas being both their No. 1 wideout and their primary punt returner. He averaged 10.5 yards-per-return on 34 punts last season, including one 78-yard touchdown. Those in return-yardage leagues can give Thomas a nice boost.

 
'asn4play said:
I have been playing in return yardage leagues for a number of years now...keep in mind this year that the kickoff starting point is going to be setup 5 yards closer to the endzone, which is projected to significantly increase the number of touchbacks this year...i would really temper my expectations regarding players like brandon tate, who seem to get a majority of their points on KR....obviously this will have no effect on the PR's
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One thing I'm thinking is that a lot of coaches will no longer employ a kickoff specialist. I believe some teams would carry 2 kickers and a punter at times. With the additional 5 yards, I'd bet that wouldn't happen anymore as the coaches would trust their older FG kicker or punter to do KO's now and use that spot for another positional backup.
 
Let's talk a little bit about defensive players who will be returning kicks. It's way too muddy right now but if you guys can give me some leads to investigate it will be appreciated.

 
'Mike Herman said:
NEW ORLEANS

Darren Sproles has been doing a lot of kickoff return work, but he worked today on punt returns as well. Have to tell you, he is looking faster and faster every single time he touches the ball. Lance Moore was also back doing punt returns and Thomas Morstead was practicing his coffin corner kicks.
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Hey Mike, Will Danny Amendola still be returning kicks and punts now that the Rams also have kickoff specialist Jerious Norwood? http://tinyurl.com/4x7pvqg

Also, any other updates on anyone else winning KR and PR jobs?

Thanks Mike!

 
Denarious Moore just took a punt back 71 yards in first preseason game (call back for a penalty, but he showed nice burst)

 
NY GIANTS

CANDIDATES (in no particular order):

Domenik Hixon

Jerrel Jernigan

DJ Ware (kick only)

Da’Rel Scott (kick only)

Aaron Ross (punt only)

Mario Manningham (punt only)

DOMENIK HIXON: During the Super Bowl run, and before his injury, Hixon was becoming a top flight returner. He showed great burst, and hit the holes with authority. During the Super Bowl run, he had some problems with fumbles, but he made a huge impact in field position. But, he had his injury, and we just don’t know if he’s going to have that same explosiveness. Is he going to be held back by his knee? This all remains to be seen. We’re going to need to see him in game action before we can make a true assessment. His experience, however, comes in handy. The Giants know what he can do when he’s healthy.

JERREL JERNIGAN: Jernigan is the type of explosive, waterbug athlete that can excel on returns. He has great top end speed, making him perfect for kick returns. He has great lateral movement and is a terror in space, making him perfect for punt returns. He needs to be tested at the NFL level, of course, but Jernigan’s skill set suggests that he has the potential to be great on returns, and could be a spark plug for the Giants.

DJ WARE: Ware was the kick returner towards the end of the year last season. He showed some burst, but couldn’t break one. You got the feeling that he was close to breaking one, but never got there. I like his first step, and he showed he can be explosive. I don’t see enough of the elusiveness to get past that second level consistently, something that hurts him as a running back. It’s nice to get 20 yards a kick return, but if that’s all you’re getting, no threat of more, you want better.

DA’REL SCOTT: Scott is super fast. Sub 4.3 speed. He can fly. That will serve him well. I worry about his lateral movement, his ability to evade defenders. He would be strictly a kick returner, if he wins the job. You love his speed. It didn’t really translate in college. Will it translate in the NFL? Maybe not at running back, but at returner it certainly could.

AARON ROSS: Ross was an elite punt returner in college. It’s surprising that he hasn’t been used at that position in the pros. In college, Ross was making things happen. Could he do it in the NFL? It’s worth a shot. One thing that concerns me: the depth at corner right now is thin. You don’t want Ross getting hurt returning punts if you can avoid it.

MARIO MANNINGHAM: Manningham has been used on punt returns on occasion. He hasn’t done much. But he has the skillset to succeed. He’s fast, obviously, and very elusive. When he gets the ball, he’s a threat to go all the way. Like Ross, I don’t know if the Giants want to risk injury on such an important player. Still, it’s worth giving him a shot and have that skill set reap rewards for you.
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