NCAA Football

2008 NFL Draft Analysis: Special Teams - These guys put the ’special’ in special teams.

Special teams will never be the same. Game winning kicks, botched snaps, kickoffs being returned for touchdowns, and punts being downed inside the 5 yard line have truly made special teams special.

Players like Devin Hester have proven that a return specialist can change the game. A dynamic athlete returning kicks can make the difference that your team needs to improve this year. Here are the top 5 return specialists:

1. Leodis McKelvin, Troy State: McKelvin is not only a shut down corner but is lethal in the return game. At 5’11 and 190 pounds he runs a 4.4 and is already projected to be drafted with one of the top 10 picks. He is a game breaker and has instincts that cannot be taught. He will be drafted in the top of the first round.

2. DeSean Jackson, California: At 6’0 and 178 pounds he is also at the top of his class of wide receivers and is a huge threat in the return game which makes his stock rise even more. Jackson suffered a few minor injuries this year and some question his toughness, but he is one of the best when returning kicks. He will be a mid first-round selection.

3. Christopher Johnson, East Carolina: Being a dual threat has helped Johnson greatly with his draft value. The 5’11, 195 pounder is an interesting running back prospect but his return capabilities will push him over the top. He runs a 4.3 and no one seems to be able to track him down during returns. He will be a first day pick, and after running a 4.24 at the combine, could push for first-round consideration.

4. Eddie Royal, Virginia Tech: Royal is a young man with great natural speed and vision, but he never became the complete package in the receiving game. He has some question marks in his hands and his route running. But, he also never had a consistent signal caller in his huddle. Royal improved his stock by having a great combine, where he ran a best of 4.39 in the 40, and is a solid first-day selection now, maybe as high as the second round.

5. Donnie Avery, Houston: A dynamic athlete that has been timed in the 4.2 range could be a bright spot of this return class. He has a few question marks and is not as complete as most of the other receivers in his class.

Avery was expected to run really well at the combine, but his best was only in the 4.4s, which is still very good overall, but not what he needed to cement a place in the first couple of rounds.

Teams are always looking to improve their kicking situation. Accuracy, distance, and the ability to handle field goals and kick offs is a plus as well. There will not be any surprise 1^st round or even 1^st day kickers. Here are the top 5 kickers this year:

1. Arthur Carmody, Louisville: Carmody had a very successful career at Louisville. He had a slight down year in 2007 but is still an accurate kicker who kicks off as well. He will be a 5^th round pick.

2. Brandon Coutu, Georgia: Recently recovered from a hamstring injury but has a tremendous amount of power. He also handles kickoffs. Coutu will be drafted in the 5^th or 6^th round.

3. Alexis Serna, Oregon State: Consistent, but not as powerful as the previous two. He will be drafted in the 6^th round.

4. Taylor Mehlhaff, Wisconsin: Very solid kicker who was 5 of 6 from beyond 40 yards this year. Very powerful kicker. He will be a 6^th rounder as well.

5. Jeremy Ito, Rutgers: A very successful kicker at Rutgers and is the all time leader in field goals made. He made several big kicks on the big stage as well. He will be a 6^th or 7^th rounder.

Many of the punters will be free agents that will get to try out for a team but a few have the possibility of being drafted at the end of the second day. The top 3 punters are:

1. Mike Dragosavich, North Dakota State: At 6’6, he is known for putting his entire body into his punts. He has great power but he holds onto the ball for too long and needs good coaching at the next level. He will be drafted in the 7^th round.

2. Durant Brooks, Georgia Tech: The Ray Guy award winner was very consistent at pinning offenses inside of the 20 yard line. He holds onto the ball a little longer than he should but would be a great pick. He will be a 7^th rounder as well.

3. Tim Reyer, Kansas State: He was a semi finalist for the Ray Guy award and has come a long way since he walked on at Kansas State. Average size and power but has accurate placement. He will find his way on a roster but it might be through free agency.

Keep an eye on these guys. They might not get as much attention as the higher profile players but the acquisition of a solid kicker or a return man could be the missing piece to your team.

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