NFL Draft 2011: The Top 10 Returners in the Draft

Return specialists have gained importance in the NFL over the last decade. Versatile players like Devin Hester and Josh Cribbs have made big names for themselves in the return game. Though new kick return rules may change the way teams consider their value, there are some great returners in this draft, one of the strongest in years.

Many are solid players at their respective positions as well, so remember that not all of these players will be returning kicks in their rookie seasons. Return specialists often fall in the draft because teams look for depth at more significant positions.

But they'll be falling off the board in 2011. Here is a look at the most skilled returners of the 2011 draft class. 

Missed the Cut

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LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 13: Randall Cobb #18 of the Kentucky Wildcats runs with the ball during the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Commonwealth Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 38-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Get

11. Randall Cobb, Kentucky

kick return - 24 yds/ (one TD)

punt return - 5 yds/ (one TD)

12. Titus Young, Boise State

kick return - 24 yds

punt return - 7 yds

13. Derrick Locke, Kentucky

kick return - 26 yds

10. Niles Paul, Nebraska

kick return - 24 yds/ (one TD)

punt return - 7 yds 

Paul has a second gear, making him very explosive. Though he's not incredibly elusive, he makes great cuts, utilizing speed and vision rather tackle-breaking power. He does have the upper-body strength, however, to become a better punt returner in the future.

Character concerns will keep him out on day one, but he should go early on day two.

9. Phillip Livas, Louisiana Tech

kick return - 25 yds/ (one TD)

punt return - 6 yds

Livas is incredibly fast but his size limits him as a receiver. He will be a solid late-round pickup as a returner though. He has returned kicks for TDs throughout his career, including six before his senior season. He is one of the most accomplished returners on this list. 

8. Dwayne Harris, ECU

kick return - 20 yds

punt return - 9 yds 

Like Livas, Harris has had great success in seasons prior to 2010. He has good vision and, as a high school quarterback, he could be used effectively in the wildcat. He's much stronger than many returners and his game could immediately translate to the NFL. He's tough to bring down and will not shy away from running over you if you're between him and the end zone. 

7. Justin Rogers, Richmond

kick return - 20 yds

punt return - 12 yds 

Although he has not competed against elite talent, Rogers has stood out. He has great speed and, despite looking small on paper, he is 183 pounds of solid muscle. Rogers' return skills will get him drafted in the sixth or seventh round. 

6. Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Iowa

kick return - 29 yds/ (one TD)

Though limited to kickoffs in college, Koulianos could add punt returner to his resume in the NFL. His elusiveness and ability to shake off would-be tacklers make him an all-around threat as a returner.  

5. Jeremy Kerley, TCU

kick return - 28 yds

punt return - 7 yds

Kerley is so incredibly quick and elusive it seems as if everyone around him is moving in slow motion. Although he will not blow away pro scouts with his speed, his acceleration and tenacity will make him a second day pick as both returner and slot receiver. 

4. Ronald Johnson, USC

kick return - 22 yds

punt return - 10 yds/ (one TD)

Johnson runs smoothly and is shifty returning punts. He's scrappy too, using any means necessary to fake out pursuers. He lacks elite speed though, keeping him out of the top three. 

3. Jerrel Jernigan, Troy

kick return - 25 yds/ (one TD)

punt return - 8 yds/ (one TD)

He is the second most talented player on the list. Jernigan has great burst, break-away speed, and is very elusive. He isn't very intelligent though, and teams would prefer if he were a few inches taller. His versatility will make him a possible second round pick. 

2. Patrick Peterson, LSU

kick return - 29 yds

punt return - 11 yds/ (two TD)

Peterson is the most talented player on the list. He has blazing speed, makes great cuts and is physical enough to consistently break tackles as a punt returner in the NFL. That he is unlikely to return kicks at the next level is why he is not number one. The other reason...

1. Antoine "Shaky" Smithson, Utah

pick return - 24 yds

punt return - 17 yds/ (two TD)

"Shaky" has earned his nickname by making fools out of defenders for the past two seasons. Smithson isn't incredibly fast, but he makes great moves and is a fantastic punt returner. He will be drafted or signed as a pure return specialist, and for good reason. Save for Peterson, there is not one returner in the draft as consistent in making an impact as is Smithson.