Let's Talk Kick Returners

[upslogger19]

Most of my leagues have some sort of point system for return yards, and every year people forget about it. But not me. Lets talk about players who get regular playing time on top of returning kicks. I also play IDP.

Off the top of my head, notables from last year:

Josh Wilson
Leodis McKelvin
Ellis Hobbs
Darren Sproles
Leon Washington
Jerious Norwood
Steve Breaston
Devin Hester
Ahmad Bradshaw
Pierre Thomas
Eddie Royal
Ted Ginn Jr.
DeSean Jackson
Felix Jones
MJD
J Stew
Reggie Bush
Welker
Santonio Holmes


What are your take on guys who are legit starters/stars now? Will guys like Pierre Thomas and MJD still return kicks? What about Royal and Felix? Any info you guys have on these situations wouldbe great!

[mikus]

I, too, am interested in this discussion. Can we get some kind of kick/punt returner rankings from those in the know? I am not familiar enough with all of the return men to propose my own rankings.

[mrblitz]

This year, I'm lovin DeSean Jackson. Love him as a WR 2 or 3 also.

[upslogger19]

This year, I'm lovin DeSean Jackson. Love him as a WR 2 or 3 also.

Yes I like him too, but I'm wondering if anyone knows if he is still returning kicks. That makes a big difference in my leagues that score a point for every 20-30 return yards.

[moochman]

This year, I'm lovin DeSean Jackson. Love him as a WR 2 or 3 also.

Yes I like him too, but I'm wondering if anyone knows if he is still returning kicks. That makes a big difference in my leagues that score a point for every 20-30 return yards.

This is the biggest issues with rating return men. If Maclin can return kicks well, why would you risk Jackson?

[Kensat30]

This years #1 kick returner: Percy Harvin

[Guru13]

Felix Jones.

[Dawinner127]

Leon Washington's always up there. Love when the teams chip it and don't let him get the ball so we take it at the 40 every time

[Dawinner127]

Just found this article on CBS about Hester and being a kickoff returner:

News: Following practice Thursday, Bears WR Devin Hester said he'll focus solely on punt returns this year. "I'm not doing any kickoff returns this year - none," Hester said Friday when asked about the role. "That's going to be all Danieal." His teammate, Danieal Manning has all the kickoff return duties. Hester is focusing on being more polished at receiver after catching 51 passes last season. The bigger issue might be Hester clicking as a receiver with new quarterback Jay Cutler. Hester's speed is always apparent, but in recent practices he has shown a better ability to run underneath routes or cross the middle. "At the end of the day I want to be a complete receiver," he said. "And at the end of the season, for all the critics saying I'm maybe a third receiver or something like that, I want them (to say), 'Yeah, he is capable of being a No. 1 receiver."

[Grid Reaper]

Don't forget Josh Cribbs. For PPR/Return Leagues he can't be overlooked. Plays QB/WR/RB/KR/PR. Top 5 Return League WR in '09 barring contract issues and injury of course. I wouldn't worry too much about his contract situation either, since the Browns are planning to use him more in various offensive sets.