Punt returner

[SECTION 11]

Although he gets lost if he's not locked onto a guy one on one, DeJuan Groce was third in punt returns last year and could be had in probably the fourth or fifth round.

Some other notables:

1 Dan Sheldon Northern Ill. WR SO 12 21 477 3 22.71 1.75
2 Aris Comeaux Army WR SR 9 12 233 2 19.42 1.33
3 DeJuan Groce Nebraska DB SR 13 35 630 3 18.00 2.69

6 Terence Newman Kansas St. DB SR 12 22 358 2 16.27 1.83

17 Nathan Vasher Texas DB JR 10 25 356 1 14.24 2.50
18 Bobby Wade Arizona WR SR 12 16 224 0 14.00 1.33

27 Bryant Johnson Penn St. WR SR 12 40 515 1 12.88 3.33

48 Marcus Trufant Washington St. CB SR 12 36 392 0 10.89 3.00

 

[AZCB34]

Here is your chance to convince me. Is Groce ANY good in coverage? Or are the Cards JUST drafting him to return kicks?

 

[Ed B]

One of the strongest arguments for drafting Newman is his return skills. People forget just how bad our kick and punt returning was last season.

 

[Stout]

Just say no to Nebraska players! Lol Just kidding, Section 11...have to put a little of that PSU-Husker spice into it.

From what I saw he didn't do so well in coverage, but I didn't see the kid all that much. I wouldn't be an accurate judge on his abilities as a cover corner.

As a sidenote, Section...how'd you feel about the game at Happy Valley last year? Are you ready for the one in The Big Nothin-I mean, in Nebraska

 

[SECTION 11]

Originally posted by AZCB34
Here is your chance to convince me. Is Groce ANY good in coverage? Or are the Cards JUST drafting him to return kicks?

He's okay one on one. That's about it at this point in his career.

He did manage to beat out Newman for first team All American as a returner by CNNSI, AFC, second by AP.

 

[AZCB34]

Maybe I am too demanding but I cannot see drafting a guy just to return punts or kicks. I want a guy who can be productive, not only on special teams but on offense of defense. Roster spots are valuable IMO and unless a player can help out more than returning kicks then I have no use for him.

 

[kerouac9]

Originally posted by Ed B
One of the strongest arguments for drafting Newman is his return skills. People forget just how bad our kick and punt returning was last season.

This is not a good argument for drafting a player with a top 10 pick. Name me one #1 or #2 CB in the league who also is the primary punt and kick returner. Jason Sehorn tried taking back kicks, but then devestated his knee and was never the same again. C. Bailey sometimes returns kicks and punts, but the 'Skins are always desperate for special teamers.

This is like people a few years ago saying that we could draft Urlacher to return kicks and punts, as well and play LB and maybe fill in a little at TE. Later-round picks should be mult-tool guys, because they represent better value, but you're investing too much money in a #1 pick to risk him getting injured running back kicks, especially a Top 10 pick.

 

[SECTION 11]

Originally posted by Stout
As a sidenote, Section...how'd you feel about the game at Happy Valley last year? Are you ready for the one in The Big Nothin-I mean, in Nebraska

Penn State clearly had more talent on the field. The two Johnson's were running circles around anything Craig Bohl could come up with. Thank God he's gone. I expect a more level game this year talent wise.

Nobody really expected Lord to come in and pick that offense up right away. It just doesn't happen. Never has. They run about 20-25 different formations in their playbook, but Solich understands about two of them well enough to call in a game.

 

[SECTION 11]

Originally posted by AZCB34
Maybe I am too demanding but I cannot see drafting a guy just to return punts or kicks. I want a guy who can be productive, not only on special teams but on offense of defense. Roster spots are valuable IMO and unless a player can help out more than returning kicks then I have no use for him.

You mean like Jenkins?

If I were an eyeroll kinda guy, I'd throw one in here.

 

[SECTION 11]

Originally posted by kerouac9
Later-round picks should be mult-tool guys, because they represent better value, but you're investing too much money in a #1 pick to risk him getting injured running back kicks, especially a Top 10 pick.

I say put somebody with skill back there, regardless of where he was picked, or how much he makes.

These guys return kicks their entire college career, then all of a sudden are going to explode on impact in the NFL.

Whoever is the best at it, should be doing it.

 

[SECTION 11]

Originally posted by kerouac9
Name me one #1 or #2 CB in the league who also is the primary punt and kick returner.

Deion Sanders.
In his prime, punt returns were a weapon (as it should be), not simply a possession exchange.

 

[AZCB34]

Originally posted by SECTION 11
You mean like Jenkins?

If I were an eyeroll kinda guy, I'd throw one in here.

Or do you mean Jackson...a player who deserves a whole bushel of eyerolls.

Jenkins did contribute offensively whereas Jackson was only a punt returner.

 

[SECTION 11]

When was the last time the Cards brought one back for a TD?
It's been a while.

 

[SECTION 11]

www.ecrouch.com

 

[mdsisquo]

Originally posted by SECTION 11
Although he gets lost if he's not locked onto a guy one on one, DeJuan Groce was third in punt returns last year and could be had in probably the fourth or fifth round.

Some other notables:

1 Dan Sheldon Northern Ill. WR SO 12 21 477 3 22.71 1.75
2 Aris Comeaux Army WR SR 9 12 233 2 19.42 1.33
3 DeJuan Groce Nebraska DB SR 13 35 630 3 18.00 2.69

6 Terence Newman Kansas St. DB SR 12 22 358 2 16.27 1.83

17 Nathan Vasher Texas DB JR 10 25 356 1 14.24 2.50
18 Bobby Wade Arizona WR SR 12 16 224 0 14.00 1.33

27 Bryant Johnson Penn St. WR SR 12 40 515 1 12.88 3.33

48 Marcus Trufant Washington St. CB SR 12 36 392 0 10.89 3.00

You forgot about the little speedster from Maryland. Suiter? I think thats his name. He was one of the best KR's in the nation.