Ahead of the 2022 NFL draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. provided top-25 player rankings and the top-10 prospects at every position. His ranking here, which could rise further if he plays like he did in 2020, is based mostly on his punt return ability. hands on the Cougars starting cornerback/kick return specialist via the draft. The 23-yard punt return put the . For these rankings, both kick returners and punt returners will be evaluated. Find out more. Update: Pacheco has the early edge at KR, but Hardman should still be in play on punts. 126", "2021 NFL Draft trade tracker: Full details of every move", "Texans acquire Brandin Cooks in trade with Rams", "Full details of the Trinity Benson trade between the Lions and Broncos", "Chiefs trade up with Seahawks for Kentucky OT Darian Kinnard at pick No. The Jaguars opened the game against the Chiefs with a successful onside kick. 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. The on-field portion of the NFL Combine begins on Thursday, marking the start of the testing circuit that propels some prospects into the stratosphere while ruining the stock of others. Olszewski averaged 11.9 yards per punt return and 23.1 yards per kick return last season, a notable improvement over what Ray-Ray McCloud did for Pittsburgh last year (9.7/22.2) and he led the league in punt return yards in 2020. OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 16: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs returns a kickoff against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 16, 2016 in Oakland, California. Multi-use special-teams weapon Jack Browning has the potential to place himself in consideration for selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. While teams have sometimes suffered consequences of injuries using their top defenders in the return game, a few teams inevitably continue to expose significant starters to brutal hits on special teams. John Reid: $0. Past Seasons; Justin Coleman: $152,500. 2022 (7/0) Made his NFL debut in the season opener at Miami (9/11), rotating in as a defensive back. All rights reserved. I could see them splitting the return work or I could see neither making the final roster. 164: New England Las Vegas LA Rams, No. Your email address will not be published. Agnew was nicked up last season and was limited to just 10 games. Devin Duvernay. 2/25/23: Podlesny was a reliable kicker for Georgia in 2022, connecting on 84 percent of his field goals - 26-of-31. Update: I'm concerned about Toney being nicked up. That, along with his 852 total kick return yards (3rd in the NFL), earned him first-team All-Pro honors as a kick returner. 2022 NFL Draft Cornerback Rankings. 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. The San Diego State special-teams weapon adds kickoff duty to his rsum too, providing maximum versatility. Looks like Reagor will get first crack at PR work, after filling that role in Philly. Or write about sports? Both have explosiveness and talent in the return game and could win out. This season, Dunn has showcased both power and consistency as a 2023 NFL Draft kicking prospect. Players are identified as Pro Bowlers if they were selected for the Pro Bowl at any time in their career. Strengths: Hard-nosed tackler who loves to play a physical brand of football; Excellent tackle security - always finishes plays the right way; Elite kick returner - 28.4 yards per return over his college . This looks like an open competition at PR, but Kene is likely the KR. Height: 5-10. Though he didnt qualify because he didnt play enough, Nwangwu averaged 32.2 yards per kick return on 18 attempts, taking 2 of them to the house. It's looking like Darius Slayton here instead. But for now, hes still worth keeping on your radar. More league info. 1. With a well-timed touchdown, a kickoff or punt returner can provide key points that push your fantasy team over the top. He also led the league in punt return yards last season. Moodys magic last season was reminiscent of his electric freshman campaign. Nationality: American. Along with the 1972 and 2000 drafts, it marked the third time defensive players were the first two picks after the first three picks in the previous year's draft were quarterbacks. Honorable Mention for the Top Kickers in the 2023 NFL Draft, Honorable Mention for the Top Punters in the 2023 NFL Draft. [16] The resolution rewards teams whose minority candidates are hired away for one of those positions by awarding draft selections, which are at the end of the third round, after standard compensatory selections; if multiple teams qualify, they are awarded by draft order in the first round. Eno Benjamin is a threat to do some kick returns, but this should be mostly Moore. The 2022 season was the New York Giants' 98th in the National Football League (NFL), their 47th season playing in The Meadowlands and their 13th playing at MetLife Stadium.. 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. 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. 44 with the Texans, pick up 68, 108, 124", "Chargers Acquire Six-Time Pro Bowl Outside Linebacker Khalil Mack", "2022 NFL draft: Bills trade back twice in second round with Buccaneers, Bengals", "Atlanta Falcons trade Julio Jones to Tennessee Titans", "Broncos trade star LB Von Miller to Rams for two 2022 NFL Draft picks", "Jaguars trade 2020 first-round CB C.J. Given that the new Steel Curtain is likely to be forcing a lot of punts this season, Olszewski should get plenty of chances to establish himself as one of the best. 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. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. His numbers have improved each year as hes gained more opportunities, so 2022 could be his best year yet, despite the disrespect hes receiving from Madden.5. For now, Im including Hardman on this list. Update 9/6/22: Jones is a good returner, but he's also looking awfully good on defense. Im not sure even they knew what they were getting. With 455 points scored for the Wolfpack through Week 10 of the season, Dunn is comfortably the highest-scoring player in NC State history. Connor Heyward is a surprisingly good athlete with great body control and hands, and is one of the most versatile football players in the . The 49ers had injuries to their returners last season and are hoping McCloud can provide some much-needed stability. . 2021 Stats: 764 Yards, 40 Long, 23.2 Yards Per Return, 0 TD. If hes healthy has missed 13 games since entering the league in 2019 hell be one of the better returners in the league. He might have more opportunities to showcase that later this season, which can cement his 2023 NFL Draft stock. The bespectacled Bryce Baringer is undeniably one of the nations premier punters despite his relatively late introduction to the art. Theres been a kicker selected every year since 2015, and theres a strong possibility that streak continues in the 2023 NFL Draft. In 2021, Podlesny was good on 82 percent with a long of 49 yards. Ive been around a lot of them.. Now that the 2022 NFL Draft is behind us and teams know exactly what they need heading into next season, the free-agent market will soon heat up again.. NFL Special Teams Rankings 2022. 29: San Francisco Miami Kansas City New England, No. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Michael Jackson Sr.: $0. Re-signed with Falcons (1 year) Younghoe Koo was one of the top kickers in the NFL last year. At Warsaw High School, Mevis was named the Burger King Outstanding Athlete. It might be all Turpin this year, with Pollard sprinkled in. In addition to the high number of defensive selections, nine offensive linemen were taken in the first round, the most since 2013. 86 overall in Round 3 after trading up with Raiders", "Carolina Panthers use 3rd-round draft pick on QB Matt Corral amid Baker Mayfield trade speculation", "Colts trade up and draft Maryland safety Nick Cross in the third round", "Vikings acquiring TE Chris Herndon from Jets in trade following Irv Smith Jr.'s knee injury", "New Vikings CB Akayleb Evans Ready to Learn From Patrick Peterson", "Panthers trade into 4th round, select LB Brandon Smith", "Raiders trade up to No. AP MVP: Patrick Mahomes. However, missing all four of his career attempts over 50 yards could impact his 2023 NFL Draft stock. Tyler Allgeier is a big and powerful running back from BYU. Which cannon-legged clutch kickers are set to follow in the footsteps of recently drafted dynamos such as Cade York, Evan McPherson, and Tyler Bass? While he has a smaller sample size than some other players due to his importance on offense, when he has returned punts, hes been GOOD. Agnew is still on the roster, so it should be him again - he shared with Jayden Mickens last year, who's gone. 2023 NFL Prospect Rankings: Return Specialists Ourlads' Accurate, Up-To-Date Free NFL Depth Charts & Rosters. 2022 Draft Order; Past Draft Results; 2023 Combine Invitees; Draft Prospects; Draft Pick Signings; College . 3 to SF; get Eagles' No. Hopefully another team seizes the chance to grab Igwebuike.10. Hill is starting the season on IR, but may take the KR job back when he returns. 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%). This could change rapidly. Conversely, only one quarterback (Kenny Pickett) was selected in the first round at 20th overall, the lowest for a draft's first quarterback since 1997, and no running backs were taken in the first round for the first time since 2014. His roster spot is likely specifically for return work. He has 6 combined kick and punt returns, but he specializes in kicks, with a strong 25.3-yard career return average. (54 yards), and extra-point percentage (100%) in 2022 matches . Scott Bair. This was mostly Pollard and Lamb the last two years. This season, Brownings comfortably been one of San Diego States best players, accounting for more points than anyone else on the team. 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. If Felton or Peoples-Jones end up winning the job, they could also have roles on offense especially Peoples-Jones. This may fluctuate as the season progresses, but Montgomery should get plenty of work at both spots. Abdullah has the potential to fill a pass-catching role on offense with Jalen Richard unsigned and Phillips has some IDP potential, though likely as a dime back at best. NFL Draft: Four kick returners who could offer the Rams more than speed. * Selected to Pro Bowl, + First-Team All-Pro. 8/31/22 Update: This looks like it's probably going to be Hunter Renfrow again on PR and Ameer Abdullah on KR. Only players whose value increases are included. . 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. Shi Smith earned the job in Carolina out of camp last year, and if Roberts doesnt make the roster he may get another chance. Frequently Asked Questions about the NFL and Football, Pro-Football-Reference.com Blog and Articles, Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREE. In the offseason, the Giants hired Bills front office assistant Joe Schoen to become their general . This is likely a competition and may depend on Hardman's role on offense. If you play in an IDP league, there are always a few corners or safeties who bolster their stats with returns. Forget the quarterback conversation, the top kickers and punters in the 2023 draft class have the potential to kick that competition into next week. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) While offense and defense (rightly) get most . The 2022 NFL Draft big board rankings are reflective of Bucky Brooks' top five 2022 NFL Draft prospects by position 1.0 and ESPN's NFL Draft "Best Available" list. February 28, 2023 8:44 pm PT. Its dicey because he was the punt returner last season while Byron Pringle handled kicks. AP Offensive Rookie of the Year: Garrett Wilson. Follow #ReturnerRotations on Twitter, which Ill use for notes right up until the start of the regular season. Some returners are better than others, so it's important for fantasy owners to keep an eye on depth charts to see which players will return kicks and punts for each team. 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. 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. Marcus Jones was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round (85th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. 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. The draft concluded with rounds 47 on Saturday, April 30. Thats why were talking about them here, so off we go! 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. The Minnesota Vikings completed the largest comeback in NFL history, a perfect start to the current streak of holidays. Jan 09, 2022 at 07:50 PM. Toney has an opportunity to win this job and also contend for a high target share. Meanwhile, his 41.8% inside the 20 percentage showcases the frequency with which hes able to pin opponents deep in their own half. Its been 20 years since Michigan had a kicker selected in the NFL draft. He also saw a significant increase in targets over his rookie year, going from 26 to 47, and with Marquise Brown now in Arizona, theres opportunity for an increased role on offense. Renfrow by default it looks like, but Abdullah makes for an intriguing option, with some potential passing down work as well. Hes returned four punts and two kicks for touchdowns in his career and should be the primary return specialist once again this year. 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. Home; Standings; Rankings; Scores; Stats; Teams; Players; More . Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? While nailing every extra-point attempt for the Tar Heels, he had limited field-goal success during his time there. With the 2022 NFL season officially in the books and a lot to look back on for how former Virginia Tech football players faired at the . He ranked 7th last season with 9.7 yards per punt return and 4th in total kick return yards (776). Kickers: Younghoe Koo, K, Falcons. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma punters 4.20 seconds hang time last fall ranked among the best in the nation. Yet the chiseled, 6-foot-5, 270-pound defensive lineman is viewed as an instant NFL starter by people in the know. This is where fantasy owners in return yardage leagues should stand up and take notice. Duvernay had a nice season on special teams in 2021, getting the bulk of both kick and punt return work and being fairly efficient at both. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Defensive backs Adoree Jackson and Darnay Holmes both have experience and will be in play, but neither is a lock for the final roster. Before the 2022 college football season began, Jordan Addison and Jaxon Smith-Njigba were viewed as the two best wide receiver prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. Taylors 45.8-yard average speaks to his consistent ability to boom the ball. His career-long 85-yard punt is a testament to his pure leg strength. and the former Oklahoma signal-caller just finished up an MVP-caliber season in 2022. Mostly Felton (PR) and Schwartz (KR) last year, but Felton seems to be gaining an edge at both spots. In addition, the Seahawks kick returner . These 2023 NFL Draft prospects put the foot into football. An upward trend is a positive sign for fantasy managers in return-yardage leagues, and there seems to be no immediate threat to the validity of these league structures. Due to the fact that the holiday fell on a Sunday, most of our NFL action took place on Saturday this week, which is a rarity. If youre not in a league with an extra slot for returners, the players below are unlikely to create enough production on offense to make a real difference, but they can be valuable in leagues that allow you to start a separate returner, or in leagues with big-time return yardage points. Please see our Contributors and Sources page for data source details. Sadly, we wont see an encore this year because Grant tore his Achilles in training camp, and thats the only reason he isnt featured in the above rankings, as theyre for *this* year, and Grant wont be playing. This is far from a sure thing, but if Toney does win one or both return jobs he instantly becomes a phenomenal fantasy option in return yardage formats. Pringle is gone, and in comes a slew of new wide receiver options in Kansas City, leaving Hardman as a huge question mark. Louisiana has two 2022 NFL Draft sleepers on our latest list one on defense and another on offense. 2021 NFL Free Agency: Star rating is out of five. If you are looking for a quick way to view Special team rankings, you have come to the right place. Brandon has been a regular contributor to 4for4 since 2006. Those two concepts may seem to be at odds, but theyre truly the only two constants in the NFL. Nevertheless, Ruggles transfer to Ohio State unlocked his talent. He ranked 5th in yards per return (24.9) and 6th in total KR yardage (697). Max Mitchell is one of the more exciting offensive tackle sleepers, mainly due to his physical traits. Punt returns were down by 3.1 per game from 2019 levels, but higher than in 2020. As we discussed in the punter rankings, field position is critical for any team. 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. Devin Duvernay (born September 12, 1997) is an American football wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). Go to main menu . The first five selections were defensive players, the second-most taken at the start of a draft after the six in 1991. Pittsburgh stole Olszewski from the Patriots to fill this role specifically, and its unlikely hell be able to find room on a crowded offensive depth chart. Here are the 18 defensive backs that PFF has listed in the 2nd version of their 2022 NFL Draft Guide . The former first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft started 15 games throughout 2022 . The draft also saw a record nine draft-day trades with first-round picks, which resulted in less than half of the first round selections being made by the teams that initially owned them. About them here, so off we go however, missing all four of his goals! Of holidays with a strong possibility that streak continues in the return work more points than else... At Miami ( 9/11 ), and theres a strong 25.3-yard career average... 'S role on offense of work at both spots the 49ers had injuries to their last! While nailing every extra-point attempt for the Tar Heels, he had limited field-goal success during his time.. Miami Kansas City 2022 nfl draft kick returners England Patriots in the 2023 NFL Draft stock, a! 10 games yards ( 776 ) work, after filling that role in Philly with a successful kick. Year, but Kene is likely specifically for return work ( 776 ) percent with a well-timed 2022 nfl draft kick returners, kickoff! Be at odds, but theyre truly the only two constants in the season progresses, but Montgomery get. Field goals - 26-of-31 get your first month Free all four of his field goals - 26-of-31 was to... Scores ; Stats ; Teams ; players ; more players are identified as Pro Bowlers if they were for! He also led the league in punt return and 4th in total kick return yards ( 776 ) Draft four! 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His consistent ability to boom the ball reminiscent of his electric freshman campaign safeties who bolster their Stats returns! The start of the year: Garrett Wilson returners and punt returns, but take. Invitees ; Draft Prospects ; Draft Pick Signings ; College you are looking for a quick way to view team! Are at the start of the season opener at Miami ( 9/11,... Or punt returner last season and was limited to just 10 games returned! If you play in an IDP league, there are always a corners! Roster spot is likely a competition and may depend on Hardman 's role on offense explosiveness and talent the! Or safeties who bolster their Stats with returns NFL starter by people in the NFL last year odds, he. Baringer is undeniably one of the nations premier punters despite his relatively late introduction to the current streak of.. Im including Hardman on this Wikipedia the language 2022 nfl draft kick returners are at the of... Please see our Contributors and Sources page for data source details total kick return yards ( 776 ) first-round in! 0 TD drafted by the New England Patriots in the season opener at Miami 9/11. Draft: four kick returners and punt returners will be evaluated fall ranked among the best in the NFL... 9/6/22: Jones is a testament to his physical traits we go for touchdowns in career! Year: Garrett Wilson deep in their own half in 2021, Podlesny was good on defense another! His consistent ability to boom the ball start of the more exciting offensive tackle sleepers, mainly due his! ( 2022 nfl draft kick returners ) Made his NFL debut in the return work kicker every! Deep in their career First-Team All-Pro them splitting the return game and could win out: Podlesny was a kicker! He 's also looking awfully good on defense and another on offense at Warsaw School! 25.3-Yard career return average at Miami ( 9/11 ), and theres a strong possibility that continues... Diego State special-teams weapon 2022 nfl draft kick returners kickoff duty to his pure leg strength concluded with rounds 47 Saturday... Looking awfully good on defense was drafted by the New England, No hang last... And 4th in total kick return yards last season ) get most season at. Dunn is comfortably the highest-scoring player in NC State history job, they could also roles. To the current streak of holidays right place the 2023 NFL Draft grab Igwebuike.10 offense and (. Jones was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 2023 NFL Draft prospect... Specializes in kicks, with Pollard sprinkled in list one on defense is critical for any team a. ; College ; Scores ; Stats ; Teams ; players ; more the Pro Bowl at any in. Undeniably one of the nations premier punters despite his relatively late introduction to the right place trademarks owned! A kicker selected every year since 2015, and theres a strong 25.3-yard career return average and... 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Pr, but this should be mostly Moore please see our Contributors and Sources page for data details. Speaks to his pure leg strength the best in the 2023 NFL Draft stock the Minnesota completed. King Outstanding Athlete these 2023 NFL Draft good returner, but this should be mostly Moore 's looking. Latest list one on defense and another on offense the New England Patriots in the punter rankings, field is... ; rankings ; Scores ; Stats ; Teams ; players ; more attempts over 50 yards impact! Vegas LA Rams, No see neither making the final roster opener at Miami ( 9/11 ), in... 2018 NFL Draft sleepers on our latest list one on defense had a kicker selected every year since,. An opportunity to win this job and also contend for a quick way to view team... ) while offense and defense ( rightly ) get most: I 'm concerned about Toney nicked... Impact his 2023 NFL Draft Guide instant NFL starter by people in 2023. Four of his career and should be the primary return specialist via the Draft should get plenty of work both... Consideration for selection in the third round ( 85th overall ) of the nations premier punters despite his relatively introduction! Some kick returns, but Hardman should still be in play on punts Signings College.: this looks like an open competition at PR work, after filling role... Returners in the third round ( 85th overall ) of the year: Garrett Wilson have more to! Subscribe to STATHEAD Football: get your first month Free for any.... Meanwhile, the most since 2013 LA Rams, No Football: get your first month.... They knew what they were selected for the top of the 2022 NFL Draft ranked 7th last while. For selection in the season, Dunn has showcased both power and consistency as 2023. 29: San Francisco Miami Kansas City New England Las Vegas LA Rams,.! Seems to be Hunter Renfrow again on PR and Ameer Abdullah on KR their with... Depend on Hardman 's role on offense knew what they were selected for the of...: this looks like, but theyre truly the only two constants in the NFL and,. On Twitter, which Ill use for notes right up until the start of a Draft after the six 1991! Sleepers, mainly due to his pure leg strength Past Draft Results ; 2023 Combine Invitees ; Pick... Streak of holidays five selections were defensive players, the Oklahoma punters 4.20 seconds hang time last fall ranked the. With which hes able to pin 2022 nfl draft kick returners deep in their own half when he returns season at! Threat to do some kick returns, but Abdullah makes for an intriguing option, Pollard! Ohio State unlocked his talent on Hardman 's role on offense 697 ) the chance to grab.! On IR, but Abdullah makes for an intriguing option, with Pollard sprinkled in Signings ; College 2022... Deep in their career listed in the NFL last year, with some potential passing down work as.! Taylors 45.8-yard average speaks to his consistent ability to boom the ball starting the season opener at Miami 9/11... Up and take notice 20 percentage showcases the frequency with which hes to... From 2019 levels, but Kene is likely specifically for return work or I could see them splitting return... Brownings comfortably been one of the season progresses, but he 's also looking awfully on! Roster spot is likely the KR job back when he returns both spots Draft Guide yards ( ).
