NFL Draft 2011: Patrick Peterson and the Top Return Aces in the 2011 NFL Draft

Coaches always stress that special teams are one-third of the game. The return ace is pretty much the "quarterback" of the special teams.

Players like LSU's Patrick Peterson and Troy's Jerrel Jernigan prove their worth every single week in the return game.

A dangerous return specialist gives a football team a very special edge. He brings that threat that he can take it to the house any time he touches the ball.

If teams kick him the ball, he has that chance to change the game in the blink of an eye, but if the opposing team kicks away from him, the offense is set up with great field position.

If a team has the opportunity to select the "next Devin Hester" in the draft, they won't hesitate.

Here are the top 10 return aces in the 2011 NFL Draft—don't blink.

10. Matt Szczur, Villanova

If Szczur doesn't go pro in baseball, he can make an impact in the NFL right away.

He can play wide receiver and running back, and that's the reason his return numbers are down from his 27.2-yard kickoff return average the year before.

2010 Stats

21.0 yards per kickoff return

8.0 yards per punt return

9. Justin Rogers, Richmond

Rogers played cornerback in college, but he may have to focus on returning full-time to make it in the NFL.

His punt return numbers are impressive enough to earn a roster spot.

2010 Stats

20.0 yards per kickoff return

12.4 yards per punt return

8. Jeremy Kerley, TCU

In the NFL, whoever drafts Kerley will try to get him the ball in space as much as they can afford to.

He was the most explosive weapon on a very talented TCU squad this season.

2010 Stats

27.7 yards per kickoff return

6.9 yards per punt return

7. Niles Paul, Nebraska

Paul doubles as a receiver and can return kickoffs and punts effectively.

At 6'1", he has the potential to develop into a great slot receiver as well as a return ace.

2010 Stats

24.4 yards per kickoff return

One kickoff return touchdown

7.3 yards per punt return

6. Ronald Johnson, USC

Johnson can earn playing time right away as a return specialist at the next level.

He's probably too talented as a wide receiver to hold on to kickoff return duties for more than a year or two.

2010 Stats

21.8 yards per kickoff return

10.1 yards per punt return

One punt return touchdown

5. Phillip Livas, Louisiana Tech

At 5'8", Livas is going to have to be a designated return specialist at the next level.

He has the speed to get it done though and looks like he can make a Brandon Banks-type impact his rookie season.

2010 Stats

24.6 yards per kickoff return

One kickoff return touchdown

6.2 yards per punt return

4. Jerrel Jernigan, Troy

Jernigan can do everything effectively: catch passes, return kickoffs and return punts.

He'll probably be coveted by a team in the third round with hopes he can turn into a true game-breaker.

2010 Stats

25.1 yards per kickoff return

One kickoff return touchdown

8.3 yards per punt return

One punt return touchdown

3. Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Iowa

Johnson-Koulianos is only a kickoff returner, but he was one of the very best in the entire nation this season.

He is also a solid receiver, but he may end up being too valuable as a kickoff returner to move to wideout full-time.

2010 Stats

29.3 yards per kickoff return

One kickoff return touchdown

2. Patrick Peterson, LSU

Patrick Peterson may be one of the top cornerback prospects to enter the draft in the last decade, but he's also an elite returner.

He's way too valuable to start at kickoff returner in the NFL, but he'll punt return as a rookie and receive "spot" returns in close game situations, similar to how Brian Westbrook did with the Eagles.

2010 Stats

29.1 yards per kickoff return

11.0 yards per punt return

Two punt return touchdowns

1. Shaky Smithson, Utah

More Shaky Highlights

His real name is Antoine, but he's lost that name, and for good reason.

Shaky Smithson may not be the fastest return man out there, but like Josh Cribbs, he's more about the moves than the straight line speed.

2010 Stats

24.1 yards per kickoff return

16.8 yards per punt return

Two punt return touchdowns

David Daniels is an NFL Featured Columnist and Writing Intern at Bleacher Report and a Syndicated Writer. Follow him on Twitter or at One Yard Short.com.