2013 Punt & Kick Return Studs, Depth Charts

Note: 4for4.com does not project return yardage across the board. Due to position turnover and the unpredictability of return yardage on a weekly basis, projecting return stats will add noise and may actually hurt your draft. We recommend noting the top few returners on your cheat sheet with a willingness to select them a round or two earlier in your draft. If you really want to estimate projected return yardage and TDs, you can check out PC Drafter which comes free with your 4for4 subscription. It allows you to enter return forecast numbers. Be very careful here, perhaps do only a minimal edit on a few of the top return men noted below.

DEPTH CHART BELOW UPDATED ON SEPTEMBER 4

Fantasy leagues which include return yardage in their scoring system provide a unique bonus to a handful of select players. Return duties are typically limited to younger players or sometimes a guy who earns his keep through multiple special teams contributions. Rather than draft a player based solely on his returner prowess, it is usually best to identify players who already score a significant number of fantasy points and bump them up a bit on your cheat sheet. This allows you to find great value selections in your draft as many owners may not fully realize the scoring potential of a player who is already a starter in standard and PPR leagues.

Like we always preach around here, it's paramount you know your league's scoring rules. The difference between one point for 10 return yards and one point for 50 return yards is huge. Take a look at last year's top performers in your league to get an idea of how much additional value the return stats are adding.

Before I share the punt and kickoff return depth charts for every team in the NFL, allow me to first highlight some of the best fantasy scenarios. Please keep in mind, return depth charts are fluid and often change weekly or even in-game. A player with no starting responsibilities and a large role in the return game may even see fewer returns if their offensive or defensive role expands.

Wilson!!!
By the end of this season, you might be screaming David Wilson's name like Tom Hanks in Castaway if you pass up the second-year back in your fantasy drafts. Not only is Wilson the early favorite to start in New York's backfield, he is penciled in as the team's primary kickoff returner. Blessed with excellent speed, Wilson gained 1,533 kickoff return yards and a touchdown in 2012.

Bank On It
New Orleans running back Darren Sproles saw a significant drop in his kickoff return duties, returning 40 in 2011 down to just 18 in 2012. Even if his role remains limited, he still managed to accumulate 666 total return yards. Assuming that's not a scary omen, Sproles should see that many yards again, adding to his total fantasy value.

Back Again
Randall Cobb blew up in a big way last season, not only as a wide receiver, but as a kick and punt returner. He finished ahead of the one and only Adrian Peterson in all-purpose yards by gaining 2,342 yards. 1,256 of those yards came via the return game and Cobb is currently the projected starter on both the kickoff and punt return teams.

Hilton Rewards
With 418 total return yards last season, T.Y. Hilton could provide fantasy owners with some added points. The second-year Colts receiver is a hot commodity as a potential sleeper. He had a strong finish to his rookie campaign and looks to be locked-in as Indianapolis' No. 2 receiver.

'Boys are Back
Although he only managed 66 punt return yards, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant is listed as a candidate for punt returns again this year. Given his importance to this offense, it's unlikely that Bryant will be a major factor on special teams as well, but anything's possible if there is an untimely injury.

Get Down With Brown
Another example of minimal punt return contributions was made by Steelers wideout Antonio Brown. He added 183 punt return yards a year ago. Now the team's No. 1 receiver due to the free agent departure of Mike Wallace, Brown could give up his returner role to his teammate Emmanuel Sanders. This situation is worth watching though since Brown is projected to have a big year.

Don't Sleep On 'Em
The No. 3 wide receiver spot with the New York Giants has been known to produce some viable fantasy playmakers. Just a few years ago, Hakeem Nicks emerged and then Victor Cruz followed. Now second-year wideout Rueben Randle is poised as a deep sleeper in some leagues, especially when factoring in the injuries that have followed Nicks. Randle has the early lead for the punt returner gig. Another so-called sleeper to watch in the return game is St. Louis running back Isaiah Pead. After taking a redshirt year as a rookie, Pead is among a trio of backs who could emerge as the featured back. It's an especially juicy opportunity since he could return kickoffs, which tend to yield far more yards than punts.

You Down With IDP?
In leagues with an IDP slot or three, grabbing an individual defensive player who also handles return duties can give you a huge advantage week in and week out. Consider DBs Patrick Peterson, Devin McCourty and Marcus Sherels towards the end of your draft.

2013 NFL Punt & Kick Return Depth Charts
Bold: "Draftable" in standard leagues (Top 200 player)
Updated: September 4, 2013