Kick and punt returners

[Nconroe]

Ok, perhaps every position can be upgraded or should be to stay young atleast with backups.

Probably we should look at some WR, RB, and DB who have that skill.

Last year Texans actually did very good on both punt and kick returns.

Overall rank was 7th statistically. , from nfl.com stats.

On punt returns we had appears third best yds/return, and more returns over 20 and 40 than almost any team with no fumbles. ( and I know several were returned due to penalty as well)

kick returns on left and punt returns on the right

Rk Team G Pts/G TotPts Ret Yds Avg Lng TD 20+ 40+ FC FUM Ret RetY Avg Lng TD 20+ 40+ FC FUM
1 San Francisco 49ers 16 23.8 380 39 1,060 27.2 102T 1 33 2 0 0 44 544 12.4 55T 1 10 3 23 1
2 Minnesota Vikings 16 21.2 340 53 1,428 26.9 104 1 39 5 0 1 33 277 8.4 53 0 3 1 20 0
3 New Orleans Saints 16 34.2 547 42 1,111 26.5 92 0 33 2 0 0 2 9 294 10.1 72T 1 5 1 19 0
4 New York Jets 16 23.6 377 62 1,633 26.3 107T 1 41 7 0 3 44 426 9.7 53 0 5 1 21 6
5 Tennessee Titans 16 20.3 325 32 832 26.0 100T 1 25 3 0 1 47 490 10.4 79T 1 7 1 18 1
6 San Diego Chargers 16 25.4 406 43 1,100 25.6 105T 1 33 3 0 0 31 264 8.5 31 0 2 0 12 1
7 Houston Texans 16 23.8 381 29 730 25.2 50 0 20 4 0 2 51 529 10.4 79T 1 7 5 11 0
8 Pittsburgh Steelers 16 20.3 325 35 877 25.1 52 0 27 2 0 0 33 347 10.5 60T 1 6 2 26 0
9 Baltimore Ravens 16 23.6 378 42 1,047 24.9 77 0 31 3 0 4 3 6 345 9.6 68T 1 4 1 27 3
10 Seattle Seahawks 16 20.1 321 46 1,142 24.8 54 0 34 5 0 0 42 464 11.0 37 0 7 0 16 2

[Nconroe]

Then looking at punt returners with the most punt returns we see Jacoby did pretty good in comparison.

Patrick Peterson and Marc Mariana considered the best perhaps and Jacoby was right there with them.

again, punt returns on the left and kick returns on the right, info from nfl.com, sorted by no. of returns

Rk Player Team Pos Ret Yds Avg Lng TD 20+ 40+ FC FUM Ret RetY Avg Lng TD 20+ 40+ FC FUM
1 Brandon Tate CIN WR 42 998 23.8 45 0 29 1 0 2 51 543 10.6 56T 1 5 2 17 1
2 Jacoby Jones HOU WR -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 49 518 10.6 79T 1 7 5 7 0
3 Marc Mariani TEN WR 32 748 23.4 49 0 24 2 0 1 46 490 10.7 79T 1 7 1 18 0
4 Patrick Peterson ARI CB -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 44 699 15.9 99T 4 8 5 22 3
5 Leon Washington SEA RB 43 1,084 25.2 54 0 33 4 0 0 41 464 11.3 37 0 7 0 16 2
6 Ted Ginn SF WR 29 800 27.6 102T 1 25 1 0 0 38 466 12.3 55T 1 9 3 18 0
7 Davone Bess MIA WR 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 37 442 11.9 25 0 5 0 24 3
7 Stefan Logan DET WR 33 832 25.2 42 0 29 1 0 2 37 301 8.1 28 0 2 0 28 4
9 Brandon Banks WAS WR 51 1,174 23.0 47 0 33 3 0 2 36 328 9.1 55 0 8 1 9 5
10 Josh Cribbs CLE WR 39 974 25.0 63 0 29 3 0 0 34 388 11.4 84T 1 6 2 8 3

[Nconroe]

Looking at the draft, Bleacher report had some info on their top 10 return prospects for this skill set. some WR, CB, RB , some fast, some good results
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1...rner-prospects

Marquis Maze, Alabama Position: WR Pos2: KR/CB Height: 5-08 Weight: 186
He averaged about 28.5 yards per kick return in 2011 to go with over a 13-yard average on his punt returns. 40 Time: 4.51 40 Low: 4.39 40 High: 4.59
Projected Round: 7 Stock:

T.Y. Hilton, FIU Position: WR Pos2: KR Height: 5-10 Weight: 183
he averaged more than 30 yards per kick return and more than 23 yards per punt return in 2011. 40 Time: 4.37 40 Low: 4.30 40 High: 4.47
Projected Round: 4-5

Josh Robinson, Central Florida Position: CB Pos2: KR Height: 5-10 Weight:199
more than 15 yards per punt return in 2011. Jr/2012
40 Time: 4.33 40 Low: 4.24 40 High: 4.46
Projected Round: 2

Devon Wylie, Fresno State Position: WR Pos2: KR Height: 5-09 Weight: 187
Wylie averaged more than 15 yards on his 29 punt returns in 2011, to go along with two return touchdowns.
40 Time: 4.39 40 Low: 4.30 40 High: 4.49
Projected Round: 4-5

Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati Position: RB Height: 5-10 Weight: 197
He returned six punts at Cincinnati for a respectable 12.5-yard average.
40 Time: 4.47 40 Low: 4.35 40 High: 4.57
Projected Round: 2

[barrett]

I am reading JJ had a 10.6 average and Peterson was about %50 better at 15.9. That is not close.

JJ is average as a PR and could be good if he'd get upfield.

[Nconroe]

I agree Peterson is way ahead, or atleast about 5 yds better than anyone else ,

but how about rank 2 through 7, all the rest are in 10's which is where Jacoby is.

10 seems to be above the average of guys who return more than one or two occasional kicks.

I agree he dances around a lot, but seemed to try to improve that the second half of year when he got above 10 yds/return.

I seem to remember first half of year we were down below 8 or less yds/return.

anyways, if he takes a pay cut, I think ok to try out for some backup WR and improve that skill set and perhaps KR, but if gone, seems a popular thought.

Maybe a good scenery change would help as fans are on his back here and that can't be fun for anybody. not sure they could trade a low round or future draft pick for him, perhaps, they have time now it seems till atleast training camp or cuts to decide what to do here.

I think some of the guys mentioned above as top punt returns in this years draft, or perhaps others, would be a good idea to draft, if available, perhaps in 3-5th round and see if we can upgrade, as we always should be trying to do.

For sure a good kicking game is very important, and it is a special team thing, not just one guy.

[HPF Bob]

Taking punt returns for touchdowns greatly inflates the average. Peterson had several kick returns for touchdowns last year. ANY team would take a guy who can run back kicks like Peterson or Hester (why the Bears use Hester less on kick returns is somewhat baffling).

I think the bottom line here is that Jones is earning his keep as a kick returner and periodic receiving option. Enough to justify his contract?? I don't really think so but he's closer to it than many here think he is.

[Nconroe]

for Jacoby returns over his Texans career, he has had some long returns, some TD's and early some fumbles, overall top 15.

Jacoby's best year as punt returner on yds/ret average was 2008 when he had 12.1 yds/ret, long of 73 yds plus 2 TD.

I think we tried some alternates this past year but none really succeeded. He did KR as well up to this past year.

year Player Team Pos Ret Yds Avg Lng TD 20+ 40+ FC FUM Ret RetY Avg Lng TD 20+ 40+ FC FUM
2007 21 Jacoby Jones HOU WR 4 78 19.5 23 0 1 0 0 0 30 286 9.5 74 0 2 1 7 1
2008 13 Jacoby Jones HOU WR 13 280 21.5 30 0 9 0 0 0 32 386 12.1 73T 2 6 2 17 4
2009 13 Jacoby Jones HOU WR 24 638 26.6 95T 1 20 1 0 0 39 426 10.9 62 0 7 2 14 2
2010 47 Jacoby Jones HOU WR 23 494 21.5 35 0 16 0 0 0 29 204 7.0 39 0 1 0 15 0
2011 26 Jacoby Jones HOU WR -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 49 518 10.6 79T 1 7 5 7 0

[Nconroe]

Just looking at the first 3 WR/PR in Bleacher report with analysis from Walters Football
http://walterfootball.com/draft2012WR.php

None of the WR/PR have Jacoby's size, although perhaps better ball skills naturally.

their 26 rated WR Marquis Maze, WR/PR, Alabama
Height: 5-8. Weight: 186. 40 Time: 4.51.
Vertical: 33.5.
Broad: 9-4.
Arm: 29 3/8. Hand: 9 1/8.
Projected Round (2012): 5-6.
3/12/12: Maze 40 time was a little slow for a speed receiver and returner. He totaled 56 receptions for 627 yards and one touchdown this season. Maze had a massive game against Arkansas with four receptions for 125 yards and a score. In 2011, he averaged over 13 yards per punt return and 28.5 yards on 12 kick returns. Maze's special-teams ability helps his draft stock. He could be a quick slot receiver in the NFL.

8/19/11: Marquis Maze has been an underrated weapon for the Crimson Tide who has come up with some clutch plays over the past few seasons. Last year, he had 38 receptions for 557 yards and three touchdowns. Maze is a quick, shifty player who could have better numbers if he hadn't played behind other options like Mark Ingram, Julio Jones and Trent Richardson. Maze has been a good punt returner with an average of 12 yards per return. He could transition to being a quality slot receiver and punt returner in the NFL.

Their 16 rated WR T.Y. Hilton, WR/KR, Florida International
Height: 5-10. Weight: 183.
Projected 40 Time: 4.34.
Hand: 8 1/2.
Projected Round (2012): 3-4.
3/12/12: Hilton sat out the Combine with a quadriceps injury he suffered in his Bowl game. At Hilton's pro day, all 32 teams were in attendance and, reportedly, he performed well. Speedy and agile, Hilton put together a strong senior season. His straight-line speed is a mismatch for defenses and special teams units. Hilton was on fire against Louisville. He caught seven passes for 201 yards with two touchdowns. One of those scores was an 83-yard touchdown strike.

For the season, Hilton had 72 receptions for 1,038 yards and seven touchdowns. Also, he returned 18 kicks for 548 yards this season with eight punts returned for 186 yards and a touchdown. Hilton put together a season to show that he should be a second-day pick in the draft.

8/19/11: T.Y. Hilton plays at a smaller program, but he has been a playmaker. Last year, Hilton hauled in 59 receptions for 848 yards and five touchdowns. he has been a dangerous weapon on kickoff returns. In his career, Hilton has four kick return touchdowns and has averaged 27 yards per return. In 2009, he caught 57 passes for 632 yards with five scores. Hilton will need to run well at the combine as the new kickoff changes in the NFL definitely have hurt his draft value.

their 37th ranked WR Devon Wylie, WR, Fresno State
Height: 5-9. Weight: 187.
40 Time: 4.39.
Vertical: 39.
Broad: 10-3
Hand: 9 1/2.
Projected Round (2012): 5-7.
3/12/12: Wylie caught 56 passes for 716 yards and one touchdown in 2011. He also returned 29 punts for 446 yards (15.4 average) and two scores. Wylie is a quick receiver who has good hands and is a good route runner. He projects as a potential slot receiver in the NFL.

Wylie's size negative is compounded by durability issues. He missed the 2010 season with injury and was out for four games in 2009 and 2008. Wylie had a good week at the East-West Shrine and ran well at the Combine. His size and injuries push him into the late rounds.

[barrett]

I am curious if Tyron carrier is listed. I would think the NCAA TD return record would make him a day 3 pick or a good UDFA at the least.

As for JJ, above average PR, poor WR, and way overpaid based on potential that never came through.

[painekiller]

My favorite returner is Brandon Boykin CB/PR/KR from Georgia. He is only 5'9" 182 lbs. He does have a nose for the ball and is tough with football smarts.

I also like Isaiah Pead, RB/KR Cincinnati, he is mention in Nconroe post above.

Boykin is a 2nd rounder and Pead is a late 2nd or early 3rd rounder. IMO.

[Nconroe]

Tyron looks like he is a guy who really produces, but size and published speed may hurt him in the draft, seems some team ought to give him a shot.
Height: 5-06 3/8 Weight: 170 Position: WR Pos2: KR
40 Time: 4.52 40 Low: 4.39 40 High: 4.62
Rated number 87 out of 340 WR's

WR-Tyron Carrier, Sr., Houston, has been selected All-Conference USA Second Team for the 2011 college football season as selected by the league's 12 head football coaches. Carrier ranked among national leaders with 87 catches for 914 yards and five TDs, while he also tied an NCAA record with his seventh career kickoff return for a score in the Oct. 27 victory against Rice. - Houston football

The Special Teams Player of the Year award went to Houston senior kick returner Tyron Carrier. An All-Conference performer at both wide receiver and kick returner, Carrier averaged 124.9 all-purpose yards per game. He returned 28 kickoffs for 695 yards, an average of 24.8 per return. Carrier also had a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Rice for his seventh career kickoff return for a TD, tying the all-time FBS record set by Clemson's C.J. Spiller.

The senior wideout set the all-time C-USA receptions record on Friday with 307-career receptions (his eight catches allowed him to pass former Louisville WR Arnold Jackson, who had 300 catches from 1997-2000). Carrier is now closing in on No. 2 all-time in the NCAA record books. His 307 career receptions are nine behind former Purdue star Taylor Stubblefield, who had 316 catches.

[HPF Bob]

Size isn't a requirement for a kick returner. Ask J.J. Moses or Dante "Dainty" Hall.

[NBT]

Tell that to half-pint Holliday. He has been on the practice squad for 2 years and has yet to return anything, much less a punt or kick.

[popanot]

Darren Sproles isn't a bad PR/KR for being a small guy.

[NBT]

I like the Boykin kid, but if he is to go in the second round, he will have to do more than just punt return.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by NBT

I like the Boykin kid, but if he is to go in the second round, he will have to do more than just punt return.

Which is why is size concerns me a little bit. But he is a very good CB, and he has played on offense for the Bulldogs.

[Roy P]

Has anyone seen the WR from Wisconsin? TJ Graham looks like a fast slot WR who could do some things as a return guy.