Returners

[WizardHawk]

We know Seattle doesn't have any real great choices at either punt or kick return as of right now.

Listened to the interview this afternoon between Softy and Carroll and when asked he said they were going to look hard at B.J. Daniels for both. Carroll said he really likes him and it's his time.

Anyone buying that?

How would all of you feel if he was indeed either return specialist going into the season?

I'd bet nearly anything they end up picking up someone in one of those mid round picks.

I mean Carroll says they like him at QB, and he's a hell of a receiver. If you listen to him the kid can play just about any position on the field. But then when isn't Carroll that upbeat about any of his players?

 

[HaroldSeattle]

Can't get to excited about him being a returner. Hope like heck they find some ace returners in the draft.

 

[JMR]

Clayton thinks we just added 4 more points per game with the Graham trade. Give us a <punt> returner who is sure-handed and makes good decisions, and I think that's good enough for about 13 wins.

 

[Anointed One]

I think the point is that there is an opportunity to improve our PR game... We can't be any worse than last year... Any improvement would be icing on the cake...

 

[HaroldSeattle]

Yup, the goal is to get better in every phase. That includes STs. One or two TDs on special teams can only help.

 

[JMR]

I have no doubts we'll aim to improve, as we should. Walters is gone now, so we're definitely looking for a new punt returner. I guess the rub is what kind of returner are we after? The prevailing opinion here seems to be that Walters sucked at it. I'm not telling you guys he was great, but how many did he fumble? You might find a guy who will get a couple more yards a return on average, but maybe that guy also muffs it more often. Where is the tipping point?

 

[HaroldSeattle]

Walters was safe and that is a good thing. There really wasn't anyone else that could do a better job, but with all these draft choices they should be able to find someone better then a safe returner.

 

[JMR]

To me there's some value in terms of roster spaces in having a guy return punts who you know is also going to contribute elsewhere, such as Baldwin. He isn't going to bust off a bunch of 75 yard TDs or anything, but he's got good hands and will make good decisions. He will already make the team as a WR, so you don't need to spend another roster spot on him as a returner as we more or less did with Walters.

2 AM here in the eastern time zone and we're bantering about punt returns. Our team is in pretty good shape.

 

[HaroldSeattle]

I say there is some value in a kick returner who can do more than make the safe catch. I'd rather not have a starter risk injury performing this function .

 

[WizardHawk]

Still, if the options are Daniels, another vet on the team already, or pick up a returner (or two) with all of those mid round draft picks that can return now, but might be a project kind of receiver, I'm taking plan C. Go get a guy and put him just on special teams. Let them run and gun and do returns.

I'm not banking that Daniels even makes the team. He's had two years on the PS hasn't he? Doesn't he have to make the full roster this year? I get confused over when a team can put a guy on for a 3rd year or not. You aren't going to put Daniels on a full roster spot as a returner, 3rd string QB, that has been learning to run routes. Just not sure there is enough value there.

 

[ehwq]

if the Vikes would take a mid round pick for Cordarrelle Patterson(rumored to be on trade block), that would be great.

If the Hawks get a LG+C through free agency/trade hopefully they could get Dorsett/Tyler Lockett in the 2nd round.

 

[WizardHawk]

I doubt they take their highest draft pick and use it on a guy with returning in mind. I could see a DE/DT or any other depth with a high caliber player left on the board that late in the second, but not just a niche guy.

 

[ehwq]

I doubt they take their highest draft pick and use it on a guy with returning in mind. I could see a DE/DT or any other depth with a high caliber player left on the board that late in the second, but not just a niche guy.

Scouting reports say Dorsett/Lockett are more than just return/niche guys.

 

[ehwq]

What about Christine Michael for Cordarrelle Patterson? Would the Hawks do it then draft a RB in the mid rounds?

 

[jakedog56]

Some possibilities in the draft-

If we want a WR who can both contribute as a receiver and returner some possibilities are Tyler Lockett, Ty Montgomery, and Jamison Crowder, all of whom are projected to go in the 3 to 5 round area. Phillip Dorsett is a higher ranked prospect who could go in the 1 or 2, as is Nelson Agholor (2-3)

After that you have guys that would most likely only contribute as returners (at least in the first year), which include Stefon Diggs (4-6), and Kaelin Clay (6-FA)

If we want a HB who can both contribute in the backfield and be a returner, the lone option would appear to be Ameer Abdullah (2-4). Other HBs who would probably only contribute as returners (again at least in their first year) could be Akeem Hunt and Marcus Murphy (both 6 - FA area).

Any other ones that you like that I am missing?