return man needed

[labronco]

i hope we pick the best punt/kick-off return man in this year's draft.

as much as i hate to talk about the ravens, and worse, the chiefs, what they found in sammy parker and "x-man," respectively, were game changing players. the draft guides usually list them by their primary positions (WR, DB).

for our draft experts on the board, can we have a ranking solely on their return capabilities?

[TheManeMan]

Chad Owens

http://media.theinsiders.com/Media/College_Football/129055_UHvsFSU17.JPG

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

i hope we pick the best punt/kick-off return man in this year's draft.

as much as i hate to talk about the ravens, and worse, the chiefs, what they found in sammy parker and "x-man," respectively, were game changing players. the draft guides usually list them by their primary positions (WR, DB).

for our draft experts on the board, can we have a ranking solely on their return capabilities?

I agree that the return game was not up to par for the last couple of years, but don't rule out the rest of the return team as a culprit in that problem. The blocking on punt returns stinks and on kick returns, the blockers continually left their lanes or missed their man. I was hoping the Broncs would get Parker in the 6th last year. Still can't figure out why Squaws took him in the third when they already had dainty.

Just not sure they can afford to use one of their choices this year on a returner. They may need to work with Luke, Crenshaw, Johnson, and Alexander to see if one of them can make a difference.

[Odysseus]

I think Big Guy is right. If we don't work with one of our existing players we are taking a big risk. This insures our PR/KR will suck but what choice do we have?

[labronco]

I think Big Guy is right. If we don't work with one of our existing players we are taking a big risk. This insures our PR/KR will suck but what choice do we have?

you don't develop them. you have to draft them for that specific purpose. that's the least risk you can take on drafting players in any position. the guy either knows how to go for distance or not. and it's relatively easy to find. look at the tapes! it doesn't lie. you don't have to have all the measurables at combine. only thing useful is his 40 time, which should not be used for any other purposes by the way.

glen milburn was the closed thing we had. chris cole with all his speed, only teased us towards the end of his stay here, and guess what, he was never a return man in college. it just pisses me off that our best return man is a part time fullback in reuben. though the guy does admirable job wherever we put him, we gotta have a faster guy at pr/kr position.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

you don't develop them. you have to draft them for that specific purpose. that's the least risk you can take on drafting players in any position. the guy either knows how to go for distance or not. and it's relatively easy to find. look at the tapes! it doesn't lie. you don't have to have all the measurables at combine. only thing useful is his 40 time, which should not be used for any other purposes by the way.

glen milburn was the closed thing we had. chris cole with all his speed, only teased us towards the end of his stay here, and guess what, he was never a return man in college. it just pisses me off that our best return man is a part time fullback in reuben. though the guy does admirable job wherever we put him, we gotta have a faster guy at pr/kr position.
The Broncs did draft Luke for that purpose like they drafted Haygood a couple of years ago. That is also the most likely way that Crenshaw makes the team this year. I am not saying it is a need, but DL, OL, Big WR and P are a higher priority in my mind.

[labronco]

The Broncs did draft Luke for that purpose like they drafted Haygood a couple of years ago. That is also the most likely way that Crenshaw makes the team this year. I am not saying it is a need, but DL, OL, Big WR and P are a higher priority in my mind.

i am not sure how great luke or crenshaw was coming out of college as a return man. but i remember haygood had a good reputation. i guess it still is somewhat of a crapshoot.

i agree with you that dl, ol, p are high priority. i am not too eager about wr position any more, but please do gamble on a big wr from a small school. i like our track record.

[Garcia Bronco]

Why would you draft a guy specifically for this job? It's an important job...but special teams is a team....if all 11 guys do what they're supposed to do you get good consistent returns. The Chiefs didn't draft Dante Hall to be a return man...he just fell into the job...they drafted him to play WR as well. A laugh at the notion that we can't find a guy on the roster that can do this job(Droughns). My point is draft a guy...for his DB skills....if he can return punts and kicks...it's a bonus...but can he contribute at an offensive or defensive position first....

[labronco]

Why would you draft a guy specifically for this job? It's an important job...but special teams is a team....if all 11 guys do what they're supposed to do you get good consistent returns. The Chiefs didn't draft Dante Hall to be a return man...he just fell into the job...they drafted him to play WR as well. A laugh at the notion that we can't find a guy on the roster that can do this job(Droughns). My point is draft a guy...for his DB skills....if he can return punts and kicks...it's a bonus...but can he contribute at an offensive or defensive position first....

yo, garcia.

dante was drafted for a specific purpose as a return man. if it weren't for his return skills, he probably would not have been drafted at all.

http://www.cheddarheads.co.uk/hof/dante.htm

my point is this. in later rounds, most teams draft multi purpose players with potential to contribute as a special teamer. they may be jack of all trades, but most don't make the team. since it's a gamble anyway, why not pick a player with an obvious, proven return skill, instead of a "pontential" for a return man, maybe because of 40yd time? a risk is a risk when it's not conventional.

[bobdobilina]

how about jim leonard from wisconsin?... good reputation as a retrun man and could turn into a playmaking saftey?

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

how about jim leonard from wisconsin?... good reputation as a retrun man and could turn into a playmaking saftey?

He is a little small to play safety at 5'8" and 180 pounds. He did not run at the combine, but I remember a knock on him not having enough speed to make up for his size. He is one of those great attitude guys though.

[Odysseus]

We don't have enough picks to draft a return man. We've drafted special teams every year that don't make the team. We simply don't have the bullets to get into that kind of fire fight.

Eagles can draft 5 return men (or more!) and still have more picks than us.

[Mr. Trout]

Chad Owens would be great. I think Darren Sproles would be awesome maybe with one of our third round comp picks.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Chad Owens would be great. I think Darren Sproles would be awesome maybe with one of our third round comp picks.

Another midget running back?

Ah, I see. You are from Kansas.

[watermock]

Here is your guy. He can play in a 5 WR set as well.

ROSCOE PARRISH
Wide Receiver
Miami
Senior
5'10 | 172 | 4.43

HOME TOWN: Miami, FL
HIGH SCHOOL: Miami Senior

AP Photo
QUICK STRENGTHS: Speed, Quickness, Run after Catch, return ability
QUICK WEAKNESSES: Size, consistency, routes
NFL COMPARISONS: Fast, explosive wideout with return skills much like Santana Moss.
Parrish was a fairly touted recruit coming out of high school, and stayed close to home, signing with the Hurricanes. He redshirted his first season but made an immediate impact the next year as a return man. As a sophomore, he played as a slot receiver as well as handling punts, but missed part of the year with bruised lungs. He returned as a senior and earned the starting job as well as 2nd team All-ACC honors. He declared for the draft following the year, choosing to bypass his remaining year of eligibility. Parrish also competed in track for Miami.

Parrish is on the shorter side for a receiver. He was a champion collegiate sprinter and is built like one. He has a compact frame and a solid, muscular base. Parrish possesses great acceleration. He goes from zero to top speed as quick as almost any player in the draft. He is very quick and is tough to keep up with off the release. He shows good lateral movement and for the most part, can avoid the jam with his quickness. However, when he is pressed, he must do a better job of using his hands to defeat the jam. As a route runner, he shows great explosion and cuts sharply on his breaks. He has the ability to separate from almost any defensive back. He has good hands and will make most catches, but needs to do a better job of catching passes with his hands. He lets the ball get into his body too often and that leads to some drops. After the catch, he is one of the most dangerous and elusive open field runners in this draft. Those same skills have also allowed him to excel as a return man. He shows decent ability as a blocker as he is aggressive and will battle defenders, but lacks the size/strength to overpower people.

Parrish has exciting ability and can bring an instant spark to any team. However, his upside isn’t as high as some of the top receivers in this draft and he may not ever be anything more than a slot receiver. He can contribute immediately as a return specialist though and that helps his stock greatly. Parrish could go as high as the late 2nd Round and if not, should be gone by early in the second day.


Year Team Rec Yards TDs
2001 - Fr Miami **redshirted*
2002 - RFr Miami 19 340 2
2003 - 3So Miami 24 322 2
2004 - 4Jr Miami 43 693 8
TOTALS 86 1355 12

[Broncoman13]

I've seen Roscoe listed anywhere from the 1st to the 4th. If he's there late in the 3rd GRAB HIM! He would certainly shore up our return game and he has pretty good hands as a WR. Plus you can't go wrong with a pick from the "U"!!!

[Mr. Trout]

Another midget running back?

Ah, I see. You are from Kansas.

Whoever drafts Sproles will be very happy with the way he makes people miss and look silly...then blows by em for a punt/kickoff return TD since we haven't had one since...well forever...

[SoCalBronco]

Touchdown Denver!

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/mifl/galleries/m-footbl-092003/umbcselects-002-lg.jpg

[SoCalBronco]

And the Broncos score again. Lechler is taking quite a chewing out from Special Teams Coach Avezzano for not angling that punt correctly.

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/mifl/galleries/footbl-mifl-112903/Parrish_112903-lg.jpg

[SoCalBronco]

Roscoe is a good returner, but he is put to shame by Devin Hester.

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/mifl/galleries/mifl-fla-090603/F50B5131-lg.jpg

[SoCalBronco]

ill gladly take either, but i prefer Chad Owens.


http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/19/193377.jpg

[Broncoman13]

Roscoe is a good returner, but he is put to shame by Devin Hester.

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/mifl/galleries/mifl-fla-090603/F50B5131-lg.jpg

As good as Hester is I'm not sure he comes close to Teddy Ginn Jr.!!!

[SoCalBronco]

Oh he is just as good as Ginn Jr. on returns. Even better actually! Although he is not as polished as Ginn as an every down player. Ginn is already a superb WR. Devin is a great athlete, probably one of the best athletes ever at Miami, but he hasnt gotten one position down pat yet. Started out at WR, now shifted to CB. Still a work in progress. But in the return game he is the best in the nation, Bar None!

[FADERPROOF]

Oh he is just as good as Ginn Jr. on returns. Even better actually! Although he is not as polished as Ginn as an every down player. Ginn is already a superb WR. Devin is a great athlete, probably one of the best athletes ever at Miami, but he hasnt gotten one position down pat yet. Started out at WR, now shifted to CB. Still a work in progress. But in the return game he is the best in the nation, Bar None!


Pretty hard to be a better return man that Ted Ginn is when Ted Ginn is the best return man in the country.

[SoCalBronco]

Pretty hard to be a better return man that Ted Ginn is when Ted Ginn is the best return man in the country.

Hester is the better return man.
Ginn is the better overall player.

[FADERPROOF]

Hester is the better return man.
Ginn is the better overall player.

Ginn is better at both, especially considering he had 4 punt returned for TD's in just over half the season. Check out the Michigan game again and he's just electric with the ball, the Wolverines were clueless on how to stop him.

[SoCalBronco]

So...Hester had like 5 TDs in the returns before people started just kicking it out of bounds all the time.

[Atlas]

One of the best return men in the country could be Denver's first round pick.

"also an outstanding kick return man; he is first in Clemson history in kickoff return average (29.1)...he is one of only two players in Clemson history to return both a kickoff and punt for touchdown "

<TABLE cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=1 width=430 bgColor=#ff6600 border=0 valign="top"><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left width=105>http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/clem/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/13424.jpeg</TD><TD vAlign=top width=321><TABLE width=321 bgColor=#ff6600 border=0 valign="top"><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=2>http://graphics.fansonly.com/graphics/mtt/profile.gif </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top><TABLE width=160 align=top bgColor=#ff6600 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>http://graphics.fansonly.com/graphics/mtt/arrow.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top>Class:
Junior
</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>http://graphics.fansonly.com/graphics/mtt/arrow.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top>Hometown:
Owensboro, KY
</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>http://graphics.fansonly.com/graphics/mtt/arrow.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top>High School:
Owensboro High School
</TD></TR></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD vAlign=top><TABLE width=160 align=top bgColor=#ff6600 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>http://graphics.fansonly.com/graphics/mtt/arrow.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top>Height / Weight:
5-11 / 200
</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>http://graphics.fansonly.com/graphics/mtt/arrow.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top>Position:
CB
</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>http://graphics.fansonly.com/graphics/mtt/arrow.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top>Experience:
2VL
</TD></TR></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD>

</TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Miller Fact: Joins Bobby Gage as the only players in Tiger history to score a touchdown on a kickoff return and a punt return.
Years Lettered: 2002,03
Bowl Participation: Starting cornerback in the 2002 Tangerine Bowl against Texas Tech and the 2004 Peach Bowl against #6 Tennessee.
Fall 2004 Depth Chart Position: First-team cornerback

Overview: Top cover corner on the team...should be a First-Team All-ACC candidate this season and a candidate for All-America honors...listed as the #4 cornerback in the nation according to Sporting News, which also lists Miller as a second-team All-American...Thorpe Award candidate according to Street & Smith...earned Honorable Mention All-ACC status in 2003; he was second-team as a freshman...had two interceptions as a sophomore and has 10 for his career, tied for 10th in school history...has 32 passes defended through two years as a Tiger...finished the 2003 season strong with double figures in passes defended...also an outstanding kick return man; he is first in Clemson history in kickoff return average (29.1)...he is one of only two players in Clemson history to return both a kickoff and punt for touchdown (Bobby Gage is the other)...started all 13 games last year and 20 in a row...named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll in 2003; he was voted most improved in the classroom by the Clemson coaching staff...First-Team Academic All-ACC in 2003...only starter on the Clemson team who was named to Clemson Academic Honor Roll in both semesters last year...also named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll for the entire 2003-04 academic year...voted most improved at his position during winter workouts by the strength coaches.

[FADERPROOF]

So...Hester had like 5 TDs in the returns before people started just kicking it out of bounds all the time.

Devin Hester: Punt returns - 19 for 326 17.2 average with 3 TD's
Ted Ginn Jr: Punt returns - 15 for 384 25.6 average with 4 TD's

[SoCalBronco]

what about kickoff returns?

[Odysseus]

A cornerback in the first that can do kickoff returns? Sweet.

[FADERPROOF]

what about kickoff returns?

Ginn only took a couple kickoff returns, Holmes and Hall were the kick returners for the Bucks.

[Arkie]

Justin Miller led the nation in kickoff returns last year. He had three returns for touchdowns.

[Atlas]

Justin Miller led the nation in kickoff returns last year. He had three returns for touchdowns.

That's what I have been telling everyone. Denver could get a playmaking CB that will probably beat out Middlebrooks for the nickle job and get he best return man in the nation.

[Mediator12]

I think CB is going to be another need for this team in the AFC. There are too many high octane passing offenses to compete with in the playoffs and Regular schedule. Justin Miller could be an option in the first, but everyone still forgets about Antonio Perkins from OK. I think he would be good value at the comp picks. He would be able to compete for the nickel or dime CB position and still return kicks full time. His stock dropped from his senior injuries but at one time he was in the top 5 projected CB's coming out this year I believe. He would be a better risk in the third than Miller would be in the first IMHO.

[Broncoman13]

Actually I don't think anybody has forgot about Perkins...... I won't let them! I've been pimping him for about 3 months now. As soon as our season ended I was on the Perkins hype, although at the time I was projecting him as our 2nd round pick. Not sure he will be there at the end of rd. 3, but there is a chance.

[Broncoman13]

SoCal, I know that Hester is electric with the ball, but Ginn has gas like none other!!! Further proof, watch the Phuckeyes (sorry DF :D) bowl game vs. OSU from this past season. When it's all said and done he will be more hyped than Peter Warrick was going into the draft. You know he's going to run a lot faster time too.....

[SoCalBronco]

again i dont doubt that Ginn is a great player. I saw that bowl game and i saw him make alot of plays in the regular season also, i remember him making some really big plays against MSU, i think. I believe he is already a very, very good WR even though he was supposed to be a corner but they needed some offensive threats so they used him there. He will be a Top 10 pick. But, maybe its just homerism but i like Hester more as a pure athlete. Antrel Rolle says he is the best athlete ever to play at Miami and if the coaches can just let him settle into a position without switching him around like they did to Jason Geathers, people will see that. Hester is a very special athlete. He has a definite nose for the endzone. He had that great long return for a TD in the bowl game off the blocked FG attempt. Also picked off a ball. Just let him settle in at corner and he is going to be a stud. I would go far as to say there is at least as much young talent on the Miami defense that will be seen in the next two years as was the case during 2000-2002. The amount of young talent that the nation is going to see is going to be tremendous on that side of the ball, especially in the front seven.

[Broncoman13]

One thing we can certainly agree on..... If Hester or Ginn Jr. ever become Broncos it's b/c we had a poor season the year before!!!!!!!!

[FADERPROOF]

. But, maybe its just homerism but i like Hester more as a pure athlete.

Yes, it's just homerism.

[labronco]

SoCal, I know that Hester is electric with the ball, but Ginn has gas like none other!!! Further proof, watch the pink puppy bellieyes (sorry DF :D) bowl game vs. OSU from this past season. When it's all said and done he will be more hyped than Peter Warrick was going into the draft. You know he's going to run a lot faster time too.....

you got any reviews on Ginn and Hester?

[SoCalBronco]

Yes, it's just homerism.

believe it or not, i knew just as i was typing those words that you would quote that and come up with a reply similar to that in some way. :)

[epicSocialism4tw]

Actually I don't think anybody has forgot about Perkins...... I won't let them! I've been pimping him for about 3 months now. As soon as our season ended I was on the Perkins hype, although at the time I was projecting him as our 2nd round pick. Not sure he will be there at the end of rd. 3, but there is a chance.

I'm right there with ya. This guy is Dante Hall-esque. He had an unbelievable string of returns the season before last. The OU coaches also claimed that he was their best corner by far. His only problem is the injury thing. He can really do it all.

[watermock]

Your all crazy. Mr. IHOP will be there round 4.

[FADERPROOF]

believe it or not, i knew just as i was typing those words that you would quote that and come up with a reply similar to that in some way. :)

Great minds think alike :)