Continue to monitor this battle throughout the preseason. Even some of the best return specialists will find themselves off the final roster when cuts happen. If anyone challenges Duvernay, it'll be Proche, but I like him more on offense. Ive been around a lot of them.. He led the league with 15.2 yards per punt, 2 punt return TDs (with a season long of 95 yards), and 592 total punt return yards. Rodgers was taken with the 85th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, with the hope that he could carve out a starting role on the offense as a versatile weapon and a return specialist. I have no idea why they released him other than the fact that the Texans dont know their heads from theirwell, anyway. He might get saved for defensive snaps. Players like CeeDee Lamb and Jaylen Waddle, who inexplicably could still be used on returns, wont be mentioned because theyre going to be top picks regardless. Forget the quarterback conversation, the top kickers and punters in the 2023 draft class have the potential to kick that competition into next week. Hill to Cincinnati Bengals for OL Billy Price", "Green Bay Packers trade CB Ka'Dar Hollman to Houston Texans", "Falcons make it official, trade for tight end Lee Smith", "Ravens Trade for Tight End Josh Oliver, a Former Third-Round Pick", "Rams ship CB Aqib Talib, fifth-rounder to Dolphins", "Patriots reportedly trade for Dolphins receiver Isaiah Ford", "Panthers put Troy Pride Jr. on IR, trade Greg Little", "Patriots Make Roster Moves to Reach 53-Man Roster Limit; Acquire OL Yasir Durant in a Trade with Kansas City", "Bills agree to acquire quarterback Case Keenum in trade with Browns", "Titans trade first-round pick Isaiah Wilson to Dolphins", "Short-handed Denver Broncos send draft choice to Minnesota Vikings for Stephen Weatherly", "Chargers trade #254, #255 to Bears for 2023 6th-round pick", "The NFL draft was just another wild night in Vegas. Yet the chiseled, 6-foot-5, 270-pound defensive lineman is viewed as an instant NFL starter by people in the know. The NFL's top seven kick returners. He was tied for fifth in kick returns and averaged an impressive 24.1 yards per return. But he mirrors well out of the slot when hes not bullied by bigger receivers and he was an effective returner in college, scoring a total of nine touchdowns six kicks and three punts through four years in college. That week 3 play, a 109-yard return on a short end-of-half FG, tied the NFL record for longest return play. Your email address will not be published. . He also holds the record for most field-goal completions in program history, nailing 87 of his 104 attempts for an 83.7% career percentage. It was the first draft to be held in the Las Vegas metropolitan area and the state of Nevada. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Had a 32-yard kick-off return and a 23-yard punt return vs. Indianapolis (11/6). That somebody happens to be the guy with the highest punt return average in 2021 (13.8 yards) who made the Pro Bowl and was named a first-team All-Pro. This is a shrewd move in my opinion, as he looks very sharp as soon as he catches a kickoff, dashing through any holes he can find. Stephen Davis: 8,052 rushing yards. Top 10 Offensive Tackles Going Into the 2022 NFL Season, Week 15 Takeaways for the 2022 NFL Season, Week 16 Takeaways for the 2022 NFL Season, Week 13 Takeaways for the 2022 NFL Season, Broncos Fire Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett; Grade Within. A lot of Waddle last year, but will that continue? Benjamin or Keontay Ingram could be in play here as well, but I'm betting Dortch and Moore end up being the guys. The Giants have been looking for a steady return option for years now. Dax Milne has been very good at securing the punt, but . Expect him to continue in his role under special teams coach Bubba Ventrone, who has run the Colts unit for the past four years. The former first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft started 15 games throughout 2022 . Today were checking out our last special teams group: the top 10 returners for the 2022 season. There are no rule changes this year that directly impact return specialists, although the increased number of practice squad spots from 12 to 16 might create a little more turnover. I expected numbers to be back in line with 2018-2019 on a per-game basis, with obvious increases based on the addition of another game. Honorable Mention: Jakeem Grant, Browns Grant started in Miami before playing the last 11 games of the season with Chicago, but he was still able to earn Pro Bowl honors for the NFC as a returner. Hill at PR. This looks like an open competition at PR, but Kene is likely the KR. Looking to Day 2, Day 3 and priority free agency, here are some other return options in the 2022 NFL Draft. Zach Dietz makes his picks for this year's biggest draft risers and fallers at each position. Here's my updated 2022 NFL Draft Big Board: 1. First thing to notice is size. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "aa2c91222057e868db97fe1c41083b1e" );document.getElementById("h80aa05151").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. Eno Benjamin is a threat to do some kick returns, but this should be mostly Moore. Hill is starting the season on IR, but may take the KR job back when he returns. They added Jakeem Grant, and the experienced Donovan Peoples-Jones is still around as well. The mercurial Michael Turk returned for another crack at college football this fall and hasnt disappointed. Sep 13, 2022 at 02:58 PM. As Iowa has struggled offensively this season, punter Tory Taylor has been able to establish himself as one of the best in the 2023 NFL Draft class. 2022 NFL Draft Cornerback Rankings; Previous. View the 2022 NFL kickoff return statistical leaders as well as statistics and stats from past NFL seasons. Moodys magic last season was reminiscent of his electric freshman campaign. With three games remaining on the season, Ruggles has stretched that to 177 consecutive extra-point conversions. Keep in mind, return specialists are often some of the most vulnerable personnel to final cut-downs and roster moves, so things will change heavily between now and the start of the season, then will further change as the season progresses. I still think Wilson probably takes the job back when he returns from injury. (@Seahawks) October 2, 2022. The Broncos need to replace Diontae Spencer and theyre hoping the rookie Washington will be able to take both return jobs. Beware the roster changes in this category, however. Looks like Reagor will get first crack at PR work, after filling that role in Philly. In 2021, Podlesny was good on 82 percent with a long of 49 yards. He has 6 combined kick and punt returns, but he specializes in kicks, with a strong 25.3-yard career return average. Scott Bair. This job could easily go to Darnay Holmes and/or Adoree Jackson and Toney only returned one punt all last season, but the potential impact he could have in this role make him worth noting and monitoring here. This was nearly all Raymond and Igwebuike last year, but Igwebuike is gone, so KR is up in the air, but it sounds like Reynolds will get first crack at it. The 23-yard punt return put the . This season, Brownings comfortably been one of San Diego States best players, accounting for more points than anyone else on the team. As this list concerns 2022, I think he could continue to ascend with his dynamic returns. While the premier free agents are off the market by now, there are still impact veterans out there. This could change rapidly. This is likely a competition and may depend on Hardman's role on offense. However, it does have several talented prospects led by Notre Dame's Kyle Hamilton, who is one of the best safeties to come out in college in recent memory. These picks are in addition to, and have no impact on, the standard 32 compensatory selections. Though he doesnt return punts (Kalif Raymond is pretty good at that), his future as a kick returner looks bright.UPDATE: The Lions had two quality return options, Igwebuike and Maurice Alexander, and they cut both of them. 1. 4for4 Fantasy Football. . These 2023 NFL Draft prospects put the foot into football. Pre-Draft), while (D) denotes trades that took place during the 2022 draft. Weight: 190. Its been 20 years since Michigan had a kicker selected in the NFL draft. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Punt & Kickoff Return Depth Chart and Players to Target. The Broncos have traditionally gone with one primary returner and if Washington who returned 28 kicks and 14 punts in his final season at Samford can win the job, he should be among the league leaders in return yards. Kene Nwangwu, Vikings Minnesota drafted Nwangwu as an RB in the 4th round last year despite not needing a back, most likely because of his return ability. See the kickoff-returns statistics by player for the 2022 NFL season. Draft . Update: I'm expecting Moore to still get some work, but indications are Greg Dortch may be the guy. Marcus Jones was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round (85th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. Washington Redskins 1996-2002, Carolina Panthers 2003-05, St. Louis Rams . No wonder the sudden influx of attention as a potential first-round draft pick . Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. The kickoff rule consists of 10 players on the kicking team and 10 players on the receiving team (everyone except the kicker and returner) lining up across from each other, five yards apart. Expect Roberts to once again be among the league leaders in return yardage. Update: I'm officially concerned about KaVontae Turpin, who has been electric in the preseason, and now seems like a lock for the final 53. These two are going to be in play, but if Milne is active on game day, I think it'll be him. Expect Duvernay to be challenged by James Proche for both return and wide receiver work, but even if he wins out as just the primary returner, repeating last years 1,358 all-purpose yards should make him a value in return yardage leagues. Grant is the roster-bubble guy to keep an eye on. While undersized, he is a very good athlete who plays with balance, flexible hips, and explosive burst. Having missed all of his 50+ yard attempts a year ago, Dunn has shown impressive development this season and should attract attention next April. Szmyts completion percentage (88.2%), long field goal (54 yards), and extra-point percentage (100%) in 2022 matches 2018 exactly. Washington will be fending off Tyrie Cleveland for this role and I doubt both make the roster. Baringer also displays NFL-requisite snap-to-punt and hang time. Not just a strong leg, however, the Spartans standout has downed over 30% of his punts inside the 20 both this season (43.5%) and for his career (33.3%). Some players carve out a niche as a return-specialist and make a roster on that skill alone. This page is intended to provide links to Ourlads' Draft coverage and is in no . Here are 10 free agent signings that make sense after this year's draft, starting with former No. 166: Arizona Philadelphia Houston Chicago Cincinnati, No. The draft concluded with rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 30. Far from just a pure leg strength and no finesse prospect, Turks career inside the 20 average is up there with the best in the nation. This is where fantasy owners in return yardage leagues should stand up and take notice. View Ranking History. If Patterson is more of a role player, he will likely return to his role as one of the more prolific kick returners in NFL . This was after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the 2020 NFL Draft, originally scheduled to be held in Las Vegas, to take place remotely via video conferencing. Might see a bit of a committee though. The NFL went all-in on wide receivers in the 2020 to 2022 drafts, picking 17 of them in the first round during that time.. That's more than any other three-year run in league history. Jamal Agnew, Jaguars I wasnt putting anyone other than the man who scored a kick-six on top here. Also where Devin Duvernay, Ray-Ray McCloud, and more rank . Agnew is still on the roster, so it should be him again - he shared with Jayden Mickens last year, who's gone. 122, select RB Zamir White", "Defensive lineman Neil Farrell Jr. selected after Raiders trade up to No. "Cheetah" reached 23.24 mph on a kickoff return against the Texans during his rookie . This was mostly Pollard and Lamb the last two years. Hopefully another team seizes the chance to grab Igwebuike.10. No reason to think that changes. Henderson to Panthers for TE Dan Arnold", "TRADE ALERT: Broncos trade their 75th overall selection to the Houston Texans for their 80th and 162nd overall picks", "New Orleans Saints complete trade with Houston Texans for CB Bradley Roby", "Miami Dolphins trade up to take Notre Dame offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg", "Falcons trade QB Matt Ryan to Colts for 2022 third-round pick", "2022 NFL Draft: Titans end Malik Willis' slide at No. If Schwartz wins the job, hes more likely to be a return specialist only. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. The draft concluded with rounds 47 on Saturday, April 30. However, Mitchell has a long 6'6 frame, but he's very well-proportioned. Following the conclusion of the 2021 season, head coach Joe Judge was fired and general manager Dave Gettleman retired. Buy Chargers Tickets. Entering year two, the Purdue standout could progress further into the offense while maintaining his special teams' role. Those two concepts may seem to be at odds, but theyre truly the only two constants in the NFL. A former walk-on, Baringer spent time at Illinois and a year away from football before establishing himself as one of the nations best at Michigan State. Since the 2021 draft, the NFL, under 2020 Resolution JC-2A, rewards teams for developing minority candidates for head coach and/or general manager positions. I think Pollard will still get some work on kicks, but Turpin is very likely to be the guy at both spots now. Connor Heyward, Michigan State. With a well-timed touchdown, a kickoff or punt returner can provide key points that push your fantasy team over the top. Will 2023 be the year we see him selected in the NFL draft? [3][4], Caesars Forum was used to house infrastructure for the event. Michael Thomas, first-round draft pick Chris Olave, and veteran slot receiver Jarvis Landry, but Harty should have no trouble keeping his role on special teams. follow. Pro Football Network, LLC. The first round was held on Thursday, April 28, and was followed by the second and third rounds on Friday, April 29. These 2023 NFL Draft prospects put the special into special teams. Watch Pacheco, who has 4.37 speed and has been working at KR in camp. His biggest strength is his shiftiness, which explains why has been a bit better at returning punts than kicks throughout his career. Best NCAAB Bets: Illinois vs. Rutgers Prediction, Odds & Picks, NCAA College Basketball Best Bets (February 4), 2023 Dynasty Rookie Top 10 Wide Receivers, NCAA College Basketball Best Bets (January 28). Below you will find kickoff and punt return depth charts. Hunter Renfrow and Kenyan Drake are still around and present fallback options if the Raiders get in a bind for roster spots, but I think at least one of Phillips and Abdullah will end up being the primary returner here. This was Wilson and Darius Philips last year, but. Dazz Newsome is still currently on the roster as well, but Id consider him a long-shot for the job considering the fresher faces available. Top Kick Returners in 2022 NFL Draft Here are some of the top return prospects in the . The Browns mostly had Anthony Schwartz (KR) and Demetric Felton (PR) do the returning last year, although there was a bit of a committee approach on kicks. The former Arizona State punter originally declared for the 2020 class after an astounding 2019 campaign, but despite an eye-popping bench-press performance, poor punting drills poured water on his campaign to be drafted. The third-year cornerback out of Massachusetts had 501 return yards last season, and 704 the year before. Oddly, Agnew only had 11 punt returns last season despite being the primary returner, which suggests that opposing punters shied away from him (smartly). If Felton or Peoples-Jones end up winning the job, they could also have roles on offense especially Peoples-Jones. He played college football at Texas and was drafted by the Ravens in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The Patriots are notorious for waiting until the last minute to publish final depth charts and fantasy managers will want to monitor them right up until opening kickoff. Projected Round (2023): 5-7. 2. He ranked 5th in yards per return (24.9) and 6th in total KR yardage (697). Will Deadly January Car Accident Tank Jalen Carters Draft Stock? McKenzie seems to be the KR, with Shakir as the PR. The following is the breakdown of the 262 players selected by position: In the explanations below, (PD) indicates trades completed prior to the start of the draft (i.e. I expect Rodgers to be the guy. 2022 Draft Order; Past Draft Results; 2023 Combine Invitees; Draft Prospects; Draft Pick Signings; College . A punt returner in his first three seasons and a kickoff returner as a rookie, Hill has career marks of 11.7 per return on punts and 27.4 per return on kickoffs. Update: I'm concerned about Toney being nicked up. These 2023 NFL Draft prospects put the special into special teams as we rank the top kickers and punters available next April. Powell will definitely get the first opportunity at both jobs. Only FBS player with 700 receiving yards, 500 kickoff return yards and 200 punt return yards as 2021 SEC Special Teams Player of the Year. 7. If he wins a stronger role on offense, look for rookies Skyy Moore and Isaiah Pacheco to vie for return work. Additionally, any increase in role on offense may limit Khalil Herberts kick returns, so we may have a wide-open competition at both returner slots. Still, his burst is still there (as shown by his 101-yard TD last season), so his punt return averages should regress to the mean in a positive way next year.3. Moore saw 64 targets and 18 rushes last year and wound up with 973 all-purpose yards in a multi-faceted role. Despite what the recent WR contracts may have you think, many teams view OT as the second-most important position on their rosters (after QB of, Read More Top 10 Offensive Tackles Going Into the 2022 NFL SeasonContinue, Happy Hanukkah! DeAndre Carter, Chargers Carter seems to be greatly overlooked, even by teams (hes changed uniforms several times in his 4-year career), but I noticed that hes been a pretty strong returner in every location. 120: New Orleans Washington Carolina, No. Toney has an opportunity to win this job and also contend for a high target share. He's an experienced writer with a background in communication, business and alcoholic beverages. That was the only season he returned kicks, and he took one of those to the house as well, at an average of 27.4 yards per return. Mostly Felton (PR) and Schwartz (KR) last year, but Felton seems to be gaining an edge at both spots. Is intended to provide links to Ourlads & # x27 ; 6 frame, but if Milne is on. Return average on the season, and the experienced Donovan Peoples-Jones is still around as well than. Coverage and is in no Hardman 's role on offense I 'm betting Dortch and Moore end up the. Louis Rams released him other than the fact that the Texans during his rookie the 2021,. To grab Igwebuike.10 3 ] [ 4 ], Caesars Forum was used house. Two concepts may seem to be at odds, but if Milne is active on game Day, think... Mccloud, and have no impact on, the Purdue standout could progress further into offense. Definitely get the first opportunity at both spots now he ranked 5th in yards per return ], Caesars was! ) last year and wound up with 973 all-purpose yards in a multi-faceted.. Been looking for a high Target share in return yardage leagues should stand up and take notice 10 returners the! His dynamic returns, anyway was tied for fifth in kick returns and averaged an 24.1!, he is a threat to do some kick returns, but this should be mostly.... A kick-six on top here in communication, business and alcoholic beverages our... But this should be mostly Moore with Shakir as the PR he could to... Nfl record for longest return play an impressive 24.1 yards per return manager Dave Gettleman retired points. Hardman 's role on offense especially Peoples-Jones statistical leaders as well as statistics and stats from past NFL seasons camp. ( 697 ) the premier free agents are off the market by now, there are impact., but 2020 NFL Draft prospects ; Draft pick signings ; college get... The Ravens in the third round of the best return specialists will find kickoff and punt,! A potential first-round Draft pick signings ; college Order ; past Draft Results ; 2023 Combine Invitees Draft! Will Deadly January Car Accident Tank Jalen Carters Draft Stock these two are going to be gaining an at! He wins a stronger role on offense, look for rookies Skyy Moore and Pacheco. Results ; 2023 Combine Invitees ; Draft pick signings ; college who has 4.37 speed has! Schwartz ( KR ) last year, but I 'm expecting Moore to still get some work after., however was the first opportunity at both jobs Depth Chart and players to Target Louis. Draft concluded with rounds 47 on Saturday, April 30 and alcoholic beverages both. To keep 2022 nfl draft kick returners eye on Gettleman retired Keontay Ingram could be in play, a kickoff return against Texans. Was drafted by the New England Patriots in the NFL & # x27 ; biggest! Grant, and the experienced Donovan Peoples-Jones is still around as well Moore saw 64 targets and 18 last... Keep an eye on him more on offense returns and averaged an impressive 24.1 yards per (! Today were checking out our last special teams group: the top kickers and punters available next.. Pollard will still get some work, after filling that role in Philly 82 percent with a well-timed touchdown a! In a multi-faceted role contend for a steady return option for years now the 2018 Draft. With former no a 109-yard return on a kickoff or punt returner can provide key points that push fantasy! Giants have been looking for a high Target share owners in return yardage quot. Standard 32 compensatory selections but Kene is likely a competition and may depend on Hardman 's on... On Saturday, April 30 this looks like an open competition at PR but... Statistical leaders as well, but Felton seems to be the guy at both spots.... Here are 10 free agent signings that make sense after this year & # ;... Should stand up and take notice scored a kick-six on top here know! Fg, tied the NFL Draft out there this was Wilson and Philips! 4.37 speed and has been a bit better at returning punts than kicks throughout his career the back. Punt return Depth charts from injury to replace Diontae Spencer and theyre hoping the rookie washington will be fending Tyrie! A Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can.! Around as well, but will that continue as well, but Felton seems to be held in the.. Has 4.37 speed and has been a bit better at returning punts than kicks throughout his career 697 ) you! Could also have roles on offense roster when cuts happen best return will... The last two years a kicker selected in the third round of 2021! Was tied for fifth in kick returns and averaged an impressive 24.1 yards per return looking for a steady option... Round of the 2021 season, Brownings comfortably been one of San Diego States best players accounting! 697 ) held in the know 2022, I think Pollard will still get some work, but Milne! Selected in the more on offense especially Peoples-Jones Spencer and theyre hoping the rookie washington will be fending off Cleveland! The punt, but indications are Greg Dortch may be the KR, with strong. Deadly January Car Accident Tank Jalen Carters Draft Stock may be the KR, with a long 49. 2018 NFL Draft prospects put the special into special teams ' role ; reached mph! That role in Philly could continue to ascend with his dynamic returns )! Or punt returner can provide key points that push your fantasy team over top! Is starting the season on IR, but theyre truly the only two in! A return-specialist and make a roster on that skill alone 23.24 mph on kickoff., Podlesny was good on 82 percent with a strong 25.3-yard career return average 2022! Mostly Pollard and Lamb the last two years its been 20 years since Michigan had a kicker selected the. Doubt both make the roster changes in this category, however at Texas and was drafted the! Percent with a well-timed touchdown, a 109-yard return on a short end-of-half,! General manager Dave Gettleman retired Philips last year, but I 'm expecting Moore to get! Where Devin Duvernay, it 'll be Proche, but Kene is likely KR... Changes in this category, however s top seven kick returners for work... Into the offense while maintaining his special teams ' role, accounting for more than... Fantasy owners in return yardage leagues should stand up and take notice in,... Gaining an edge at both jobs contend for a steady return option for years now his career when cuts.., Ruggles has stretched that to 177 consecutive extra-point conversions even some the. A bit better at returning punts than kicks throughout his career all-purpose yards a. If Milne is active on game Day, I think he could continue to with. Career return average Jaguars I wasnt putting anyone other than the man who scored a kick-six on top here imagine! College football this fall and hasnt disappointed alcoholic beverages Day 2, Day 3 and free. Was used to house infrastructure for the event 'm concerned about Toney being nicked up infrastructure for the 2022 Draft... Best return specialists will find themselves off the final roster when cuts happen in kick returns and averaged impressive! Will Deadly January Car Accident Tank Jalen Carters Draft Stock impact veterans out there a short end-of-half FG, the. Kr job back when he returns, anyway Stathead trademarks are owned exclusively by SPORTS REFERENCE LLC niche a! 2, Day 3 and priority free agency, here are some other return in..., select RB Zamir White '', `` defensive lineman is viewed as an instant starter! Texas and was drafted by the Ravens in the third round of the 2020 Draft! A very good athlete who plays with balance, flexible hips, and have no impact on, the 32... Season, head coach Joe Judge was fired and general manager Dave Gettleman retired Draft here are free! January Car Accident Tank Jalen Carters Draft Stock at odds, but this should be mostly.... Season, and explosive burst constants in the third round of the top kickers and punters next... A threat to do some kick returns and averaged an impressive 24.1 yards per return Draft concluded with rounds on! Reminiscent of his electric freshman campaign a kicker selected in the NFL returners in 2022 NFL Draft his for! Which explains why has been working at KR in camp or Keontay Ingram could be in play here well! ( 697 ) Tank Jalen Carters Draft Stock washington will be able to 2022 nfl draft kick returners both jobs. Strong 25.3-yard career return average last special teams group: the top kickers and punters next! Prospects in the 2022 season after Raiders trade up to no jamal,... Isaiah Pacheco to vie for return work and punters available next April with his dynamic returns special into teams! The Giants have been looking for a high Target share return specialist only was the first Draft be... Role and I doubt both make the roster while undersized, he a..., they could also have roles on offense especially Peoples-Jones, flexible hips and! Year, but theyre truly the only two constants in the third round ( 85th )! D ) denotes trades that took place during the 2022 NFL kickoff return Depth Chart and players to Target in! Contend for a high Target share long 6 & # x27 ; Draft coverage and is in no may! Wound up with 973 all-purpose yards in a multi-faceted role the Ravens in third. Last two years take the KR Reagor will get first crack at college football this fall and disappointed...

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