NFL Draft 2017 - Special Teams
Let's wrap up today's coverage with a look at possible special teams contributors. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, so please share analysis, commentary and gifs of your favorite prospects in the comments section.
Jets Needs: Special Teams
The Jets accumulated some better special teams personnel last season, but the unit as a whole was still poor, mostly due to the disruption caused by injuries.
The Jets signed Chandler Catanzaro to compete with Ross Martin for the kicker role and are unlikely to use another draft pick on a punter having spent one on Lac Edwards last season, although they do need to bring in some competition.
Jalin Marshall had a few nice kick-off returns last year, but the team definitely still needs a reliable punt returner. As for coverage and other personnel, it's always nice to obtain value from your picks by adding players who can contribute in these areas off the bat.
Specialists
The most likely specialists to be drafted are Idaho punter Austin Rehkow and ASU kicker Zane Gonzalez. However, the most fun specialist prospect is Western Kentucky long snapper Nolan Dowling because he can do this:
Return Men
There are plenty of big names who made an impact as return men in college. The likes of Adoree Jackson, Jabrill Peppers, Desmond King, Heisman finalist Dede Westbrook and Christian McCaffery all returned both kick-offs and punts effectively last season.
However, we're also looking for lesser-known players whose value comes primarily from their special teams prowess, but still offer some potential to contribute on offense or defense. On punts, Akron wide receiver Jojo Natson, defensive back Will Likely from Maryland and Syracuse receiver Brisly Estime are candidates.
All three are small but elusive. Likely once had 233 return yards in one game. Here's an example of what Estime can do:
Carlos Henderson is one top level prospect who excelled in terms of kick-offs. Two lesser known candidates are North Carolina running back TJ Logan and Oklahoma State's Barry Sanders Jr.
Other Special Teams Contributors
Three higher-level prospects that produced well on special teams in college are Jamal Adams, Chidobe Awuzie and Jarrad Davis.
In kick coverage, three starting safeties who were also among the league's most productive special teams tacklers were Western Kentucky's Branden Leston, Boston College's John Johnson and Arkansas State's spectacularly named Money Hunter.
Here's a nice play by Johnson:
Leston's teammate, linebacker Drew Davis, was just as productive, with 18 tackles on special teams in 2015 and Kentucky cornerback JD Harmon was also productive. Toledo defensive lineman John Stepec also impressively was into double figures for special teams tackles in 2015.
One good gunner candidate is Arizona wide receiver Trey Griffey, who is the son of baseball legend Ken Griffey, Jr.
FAU defensive end Trey Hendrickson and Oklahoma State defensive tackle Vincent Taylor each have a knack for blocking kicks. They each blocked four each last season.
Finally, Georgia Southern safety Ironhead Gallon has the makings of a special teams monster. With his short area quickness, he's ideally suited to making plays in all aspects of special teams play. He had six tackles when playing on coverage units in 2014 and also blocked a couple of punts:
Let's have your views in the comments! Who is overrated, who is underrated and who did we not mention that interests you?