Josh Cribbs Ranks No. 1 and 2 on Returner Lists of Two NFL Analysts

Over the last week or so, NFL.com has been putting together their "Top Five" lists of NFL players at each position.

Finally, getting to the return specialists, Josh Cribbs name has come up on two different correspondent's lists for their top return guy in the league.

Bucky Brooks has picked Cribbs as his second best returner behind the Chicago Bears Devin Hester and Jamie Dukes has picked Cribbs as his top returner in the NFL.

The biggest discrepancy between the two analysts are the fact "that Hester is trying to now become a wide receiver, and is not focusing as much on his return ability as he used to be." (Paraphrased from Dukes)

Nevertheless, Cribbs is an elite return specialist in the NFL and a difference maker during games. 

This is why the Browns would benefit more by re-signing Cribbs to a new contract rather then let him holdout or ask for a trade.

Returns are "the first play of a team's offense," retired Denver Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith said.

That statement is so true in the NFL today.

NFL teams that have a better starting field position for their drives, usually end up winning the game a large percentage of the time.

Cribbs is not a very flashy player who bedazzles opposing players and fans with flashy and fancy elusive moves. He is more of a power returner who loves to just run over and through the other teams special teams players.

Cribbs has not only returned a kick/punt for a touchdown in four consecutive seasons, but he is one of the league's best gunners on coverage teams as well. Over the last several years, he has led the Browns in special teams tackles.

After the 2007 season, Cribbs made the Pro Bowl as the AFC's return specialist, and following the 2008 season, he was named the backup return specialist and coverage specialist.

Losing Cribbs will only hurt the Browns rebuilding process in 2009 and if NFL analysts can see the extremely high value and rare talent that Cribbs is (and has) then why can't the Browns upper management see it too?

Maybe Cribbs will just play through the 2009 season to prove himself, but if there is any player on the Browns that has consistently played at a very high level over the past few seasons and shouldn't have to prove himself, it is Cribbs.

Just pay the man.