Which players are emerging on special teams?

[TheTackle]

We have plenty of talent for special teams, but which defensive picks and FAs are emerging as special teams standouts?

Sorry if I have missed a thread, but haven't seen any specific posts

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

They clearly wanted to give 19 a good look the other night. I think he returned every kick?

 

[Legatron4]

They clearly wanted to give 19 a good look the other night. I think he returned every kick?

JoJo Natson. He looked quick. Maybe they’re looking for a little more horsepower in the return game.

 

[Akrasian]

JoJo Natson. He looked quick. Maybe they’re looking for a little more horsepower in the return game.

I suspect it was more not risking the starter Cooper - although he did get some time in as a backup WR. But they already know Cooper is a pro bowl return man.

 

[Legatron4]

I suspect it was more not risking the starter Cooper - although he did get some time in as a backup WR. But they already know Cooper is a pro bowl return man.

Agreed it could have just been that. But I wouldn’t mind a little more speed. Cooper doesn’t have that 3rd gear to really get away from guys.

 

[Ram65]

Good topic! IIRC @DR RAM said KIser was first down on punt returns.

The bubble guys that can play ST have a better chance. Incumbents M.Thomas amd Hager from what I read hear. Have to look closer this week.

 

[hotanez]

Agreed it could have just been that. But I wouldn’t mind a little more speed. Cooper doesn’t have that 3rd gear to really get away from guys.

true but Cooper breaks tackles, JoJo falls backwards when barely touched

 

[Soul Surfer]

Last year at this time there were a few posters that thought Pharoh Cooper was on the bubble.

 

[Soul Surfer]

which defensive picks and FAs are emerging as special teams standouts?

Plenty of offensive players also play special teams, now.

 

[Flint]

Didn’t Cooper have multiple tds last year on special teams? It’s true that he’s not a great 40 time guy but like the great Jerry Rice I don’t see guys catching him in the open field.

 

[Memento]

I thought that Ramon Richards did a good job with blocking for JoJo Natson.

 

[A.J. Hicks]

Last year at this time there were a few posters that thought Pharoh Cooper was on the bubble.

Yup. Right up until we watched Tavon struggle mightily catching punts.

 

[ReekofRams]

Didn’t Cooper have multiple tds last year on special teams? It’s true that he’s not a great 40 time guy but like the great Jerry Rice I don’t see guys catching him in the open field.

No DB, RB, or WR, will be caught in the open field. But it's always nice when you can have a return guy who can outrun the defenders around him.

 

[Soul Surfer]

Yup. Right up until we watched Tavon struggle mightily catching punts.

That's pretty amazing though;

From a player some considered to be a bubble player to All Pro.

I sure didn't see that coming.

 

[Flint]

No DB, RB, or WR, will be caught in the open field. But it's always nice when you can have a return guy who can outrun the defenders around him.

TA was usually the fastest guy out there and certainly capable of outrunning defenders but if you could get a hand on him you could tackle him. The trick is getting into the open field and Cooper is elusive enough and powerful enough to do that.
JoJo looks to be a speed guy who doesn’t have the bulk to go through contact.

 

[ReekofRams]

TA was usually the fastest guy out there and certainly capable of outrunning defenders but if you could get a hand on him you could tackle him. The trick is getting into the open field and Cooper is elusive enough and powerful enough to do that.
JoJo looks to be a speed guy who doesn’t have the bulk to go through contact.

I wasn't knocking Cooper, in fact I'd prefer him as return specialist, especially over Jojo. I was just touching on the point that we not only want someone capable of scoring with an open field, but can outrun those around him. Again I prefer PC, I just didn't explain it clearly, my bad.

 

[RhodyRams]

Maybe Cooper should get some time in fielding punts

 

[Prime Time]

JoJo Natson is leading the NFL in preseason kickoff return yards.

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categoryst...=KICK_RETURNS&conference=null&qualified=false

 

[den-the-coach]

JoJo Natson is leading the NFL in preseason kickoff return yards.

Not actually a great stat because he's had the most opportunities, however, on punt returns I was impressed with Natson because he caught the punt, that is huge, something Cooper had trouble with in post season. So far I like what I see from JoJo and of course I cannot resist as I hope it lasts.

 

[OldSchool]

Not actually a great stat because he's had the most opportunities, however, on punt returns I was impressed with Natson because he caught the punt, that is huge, something Cooper had trouble with in post season. So far I like what I see from JoJo and of course I cannot resist as I hope it lasts.

Pretty sure that’s been attributed to the shoulder surgery. Coaches knew he was hurt but he wanted to play. Cooper is apro bowler he’ll be just fine going forward.