KR/PR League - Would Like Your Input

[averagejoe]

One of the leagues that I participate in scores KR/PR yardage the same as rushing/receiving yardage. Otherwise the league scores the same as a standard league.

It also has IDP (4 spots, 1DL, 1LB, 1DB and one IDP flex called a DP). I mention them because some DB will return kicks.

Here are some of the guys I'm targeting. This isn't a ranking list. Just a list of KR/PR players that deserve special attention during the draft. I really would appreciate some input, especially if you know of some inside rumors with your hometown teams as to how they plan on using some players - particularly on returns.

1) WR Randall Cobb - had 1256 return yards last season. Increased role on offense anticipated.
2) RB Darren Sproles - 666 yards. All-purpose player with an active role.
3) RB David Wilson - had 1533 return yards. But as feature back, hard to imagine him being used exclusively.
4) WR Jacoby Jones - 1508 return yards. Slated only to return punts in 2013.
5) RB Lamar Miller - supposedly the designated KR/PR guy.
6) WR Josh Cribbs - 1635 return yards. But not much else offensively.
7) RB Darius Reynaud - 1650 return yards. Ditto.
8) WR T.Y Hilton - 418 return yards. Designated KR/PR. Bump up?
9) WR Denarius Moore - PR guy.
10) WR Dexter McCluster - KR/PR.
Others in consideration: Holliday, Thigpen, Leon Washington, Keshawn Martin, Jacquizz, Rueben Randle.
---------------------------------------------------
IDP1) DB Devin McCourty - 654 return yards, KR only but is the starting safety.
IDP2) CB Patrick Peterson - 426 return yards, PR only but is starting corner.
IDP3) CB Brandon Boykin - 1044 return yards, KR only and is 3rd in the corner depth.
IDP4) CB Leodis McKelvin - 941 return yards. Return role in question. 2nd in depth.
IDP5) CB Javier Arenas - 480 yards. KR/PR and 3rd in corner depth. Bump up?


(This league drafts near the end of August.) Thoughts?

 

[TREFF]

I know my favorite, both for his value at the expected draft position and for his potential for a biggervrolevin the offense is McCluster.

Sproles and Cobb will be a premium. My take is that Hilton and Miller have reduced return duties as they become more of the focal point for their teams' offenses.

My second choice would be McCourty

 

[tlance]

Definitely monitor these situations through camp. If a guy like Hilton is still returning kicks, he could out-produce WRs being drafted in round 3. Miller is another guy to watch, although like Treff said, he likely won't be so involved in the return game this year.

I would not be too keen on drafting anybody who is a return specialist but who has a limited role either offensively or defensively, but if the player already puts up usable numbers like McCourty, then the kick return yardage makes them highly valuable.

Thing is, you can't reach too far because there tends to be a lot of turnover with kick return positions, so you could really get burned if you take a guy too early and they don't end up returning kicks.

That being said, I would be really tempted to draft Cobb in the 2nd round. Sproles has more value too, but I would not take him ahead of any of the top 15 RBs unless this is PPR also. Tough call.

 

[TKOSpikes]

I can't see the Bills giving anyone else KR responsibilities over Leodis. The rookie (Goodwin) might get a look at PR, but McKelvin has handled that before as well. I can't see the Phins using Miller like that either... and I'm not sure how good Marcus Thigpen is, or if he's gonna be the guy for them.

 

[averagejoe]

That being said, I would be really tempted to draft Cobb in the 2nd round. Sproles has more value too, but I would not take him ahead of any of the top 15 RBs unless this is PPR also. Tough call.

No PPR. Standard scoring except for the generous return scoring.

Maybe I forgot to mention that I've been in this league for about 4 years. So I know what to expect. If it helps any, based on the names I mentioned above, this was their finish in this league:

Cobb - 11th overall in points.
Sproles -35th overall in points.
Jacoby Jones - 50th
Hilton - 52nd

Also McCourty was 4th out of all IDP. He was the only CB in the top 18 IDP.
Boykin was 20th of all IDP.

 

[TKOSpikes]

Also McCourty was 4th out of all IDP. He was the only CB in the top 18 IDP.

I'm not promoting the Bills or anything , but Leodis should have more value this year, as he should be on the field much more than last year. (is there a way you can look up his split stats?... I seem to recall him being a bigger contributor (defensively) during the 2nd half)

 

[The Foot]

Tavon Austin will be returning kicks just saying!

 

[averagejoe]

McKelvin had the following:

121.5 fantasy points
20 solo tackles
0 sacks
1 int
3 passed defended
941 total return yards (KR & PR)
2 TD

I trust you TKO, he's worth bumping up if you say so.

 

[TKOSpikes]

don't bump him too far, after all, we are the Bills!