KFFL: Newman at PR?

[Hostile]

Cowboys | Newman Could Return Punts - from www.KFFL.com
Mon, 5 Jul 2004 09:38:52 -0700

Nick Eatman, of DallasCowboys.com, reports Dallas Cowboys CB Terence Newman might get an opportunity to return punts.

************

Not sure I like this. Give that duty to someone less valuable.

[Tio]

Cowboys | Newman Could Return Punts - from www.KFFL.com (http://www.kffl.com/)
Mon, 5 Jul 2004 09:38:52 -0700

Nick Eatman, of DallasCowboys.com, reports Dallas Cowboys CB Terence Newman might get an opportunity to return punts.

************

Not sure I like this. Give that duty to someone less valuable.I'd give him a few oppurtunities in the preseason, and if he doesn't immediatly show that he's a game breaker, screw it...

[hockix]

I hope not, Newman being hurt would be devastating for our defense.

Even if he shows to be the better one there, I would prefer to keep him at CB only cause we just don't have any depth in case of injury.

[te0002]

Let him try it in practice, but if he's not head-&-shoulders above anyone else leave him at CB.

It's hard to believe with all the players BP has picked-up for their ST ability/potential, the Cowboys couldn't find a decent PR/KR.

[big dog cowboy]

I know I was just pimping Newman for this yesterday :D , and I am still on that bandwagon today. Unless you saw this man doing this job in college you don't know what you are missing. Someone drag out the 2003 draft player previews and see what they say about this. The bottom line...he can do the job. And do it well.

Risk of injury is there so we should be wise to pick someone to platoon this job with Newman. But in any critical situation, we need someone who could take it to the house any time he touches the ball. That is a threat we have not had in a while. Newman would put the excitement back into the return game.

[kmp77]

I'm sorry, but If the Tuna even lets him do this in the preseason, he's a dumb***. You DO NOT put valuable position players back there to risk injury, especially Newman or Jones.

[blindzebra]

If you look at the league leaders in returns, only a few are starters at regular positions.

Kick returner might be the new hybrid spot. All those tweener DEs that became 3-4 LBs, are giving way too the too small, fast WRs, RBs, and CBs.

Deion avoided contact so much, that the injury risk was not as great. Newman strikes me as the type of player that will run threw a wall if he needs to get an extra yard.

[slick325]

I'm sorry, but If the Tuna even lets him do this in the preseason, he's a dumb***. You DO NOT put valuable position players back there to risk injury, especially Newman or Jones.


KMP,
Would you call Deion Sanders a vaulable player at a valuable position? If you recall Primetime also had a HUGE cap figure so "risking" him in the return game was not wise huh? Please. Football is a physical sport and a player can be injured in the weightroom, on the practice field or in a game situation. Newman could very well be injured covering one of our receivers in practice or in a preseason game covering an opponents receiver much like Derek Ross injured his knee or Hunter hurt his forearm. What's next, don't play Newman in preseason because he is too valuable to the team in the regular season? Don't let him check Moss because we play LColes in game 3 or we face TO next week? Gimme a break. Football is physical and until one of you can give me a reason why Newman a 2nd year corner (who I am a huge fan of since college) is more valuable than Deion "Primetime" Sanders (the best cornerback ever!) I don't want to hear about not "risking" Newman. Deion was a bigger risk in my opinion.
I do concede that the loss of Newman will be a tough one to overcome but I have faith in Zimmer and Coach Parcells that as they did last season, they will mask our deficiencies.

[blindzebra]

KMP,
Would you call Deion Sanders a vaulable player at a valuable position? If you recall Primetime also had a HUGE cap figure so "risking" him in the return game was not wise huh? Please. Football is a physical sport and a player can be injured in the weightroom, on the practice field or in a game situation. Newman could very well be injured covering one of our receivers in practice or in a preseason game covering an opponents receiver much like Derek Ross injured his knee or Hunter hurt his forearm. What's next, don't play Newman in preseason because he is too valuable to the team in the regular season? Don't let him check Moss because we play LColes in game 3 or we face TO next week? Gimme a break. Football is physical and until one of you can give me a reason why Newman a 2nd year corner (who I am a huge fan of since college) is more valuable than Deion "Primetime" Sanders (the best cornerback ever!) I don't want to hear about not "risking" Newman. Deion was a bigger risk in my opinion.
I do concede that the loss of Newman will be a tough one to overcome but I have faith in Zimmer and Coach Parcells that as they did last season, they will mask our deficiencies.

Look at the return stats, for your answer. Since Sehorn pretty much ended his career returning kicks, very few regular players have returned kicks.

The game has changed. Guys that are fast, but don't fit the positions IDEAL size, or are from smaller schools and projects are the majority of returners in today's NFL.

[joseephuss]

KMP,
Would you call Deion Sanders a vaulable player at a valuable position? If you recall Primetime also had a HUGE cap figure so "risking" him in the return game was not wise huh? Please. Football is a physical sport and a player can be injured in the weightroom, on the practice field or in a game situation. Newman could very well be injured covering one of our receivers in practice or in a preseason game covering an opponents receiver much like Derek Ross injured his knee or Hunter hurt his forearm. What's next, don't play Newman in preseason because he is too valuable to the team in the regular season? Don't let him check Moss because we play LColes in game 3 or we face TO next week? Gimme a break. Football is physical and until one of you can give me a reason why Newman a 2nd year corner (who I am a huge fan of since college) is more valuable than Deion "Primetime" Sanders (the best cornerback ever!) I don't want to hear about not "risking" Newman. Deion was a bigger risk in my opinion.
I do concede that the loss of Newman will be a tough one to overcome but I have faith in Zimmer and Coach Parcells that as they did last season, they will mask our deficiencies.


I partially agree. Dallas needs a good return guy who is capable of being explosive. If Newman is the best qualified and he may be, then I would love to see him back there. It is a risk and if they can find someone else, that would be the best thing.

[BlueStar II]

Even though Newman was quite good in college as a return guy, I still don't think I would use him now as a return guy. While he could have an impact for us on special teams, I think his contributions on defense far outweigh his possible contributions as a return guy. Besides, isn't that why we drafted some of the guys we did, so let one of them be the return guy instead.

[Rack Bauer]

Not sure I like this. Give that duty to someone less valuable.


Agree 100%. The last thing we need is for our one of our top defensive players to get hurt returning punts. I'd rather have zuriel and his 5 yards returns then to risk Newman.

[Hostile]

Agree 100%. The last thing we need is for our one of our top defensive players to get hurt returning punts. I'd rather have zuriel and his 5 yards returns then to risk Newman.
Just my opinion, he's the player we can least afford to lose. With all due respect to the Deion Sanders angle introduced here, Deion played on loaded teams. I can't in all honesty say this team is loaded.

[slick325]

Look at the return stats, for your answer. Since Sehorn pretty much ended his career returning kicks, very few regular players have returned kicks.

The game has changed. Guys that are fast, but don't fit the positions IDEAL size, or are from smaller schools and projects are the majority of returners in today's NFL.


You are correct that since Sehorn's injury few regular players have returned kicks. I took your advice and checked rosters.

Here's a list of starters who also return punts:

NYJ: WR Santana Moss (Jets leading receiver)

Raiders: RCB Philip Buchanon (1st round draft pick two seasons ago and a starter at RCB)

Buffalo: RCB Nate Clements (starting RCB former 1st rounder)

Bengals: WR Peter Warrick (starting WR and 2nd in receptions and yds. for Bengals)

Browns: WR Dennis Northcut (leading WR in receptions and yds.)

Titans: WR Justin McCareins (#2 receiver for Titans)

Cardinals: WR Anquan Boldin (Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl WR)

Bears: CB R.W. McQuarters

Panthers: WR Steve Smith (I think TNew, the Cowboys and us as fans know who he is right?)

Bottom line is no matter whether this is the "Old" or "New" NFL one thing is consistent......you put playmakers on the field no matter what! Darrell Green, Tim Brown, Deion Sanders, Rod Woodson all hall of famers and all "playmakers" were punt returners. Stop with the excuses, if Newman is the best at it, he should be returning punts.

[slick325]

Just my opinion, he's the player we can least afford to lose. With all due respect to the Deion Sanders angle introduced here, Deion played on loaded teams. I can't in all honesty say this team is loaded.

Hostile,
I am inclined to agree that TNew MAY be the player we least can afford to lose and yes Deion did play on loaded teams. However, I believe Anquan Boldin is the player Arizona can't afford to lose and they have him returning punts. In theory I agree with all of you that the 'Boys can't lose TNew and he shouldn't return punts however, as a practical matter this team is not loaded enough to be sitting their best players.

[MichaelWinicki]

hybrid


Blind... you used the "h" word.

Hos may ban you. :D

[big dog cowboy]

as a practical matter this team is not loaded enough to be sitting their best players.

Yep. Unless we have a huge lead he should be in there if he is the best we have.

[slick325]

Yep. Unless we have a huge lead he should be in there if he is the best we have.

Thanks for your support on this matter Big Dog.

[LaTunaNostra]

You are correct that since Sehorn's injury few regular players have returned kicks. I took your advice and checked rosters.

Here's a list of starters who also return punts:

NYJ: WR Santana Moss (Jets leading receiver)

Raiders: RCB Philip Buchanon (1st round draft pick two seasons ago and a starter at RCB)

Buffalo: RCB Nate Clements (starting RCB former 1st rounder)

Bengals: WR Peter Warrick (starting WR and 2nd in receptions and yds. for Bengals)

Browns: WR Dennis Northcut (leading WR in receptions and yds.)

Titans: WR Justin McCareins (#2 receiver for Titans)

Cardinals: WR Anquan Boldin (Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl WR)

Bears: CB R.W. McQuarters

Panthers: WR Steve Smith (I think TNew, the Cowboys and us as fans know who he is right?)

Bottom line is no matter whether this is the "Old" or "New" NFL one thing is consistent......you put playmakers on the field no matter what! Darrell Green, Tim Brown, Deion Sanders, Rod Woodson all hall of famers and all "playmakers" were punt returners. Stop with the excuses, if Newman is the best at it, he should be returning punts.

Nice research, Slick.

And altho I'm one of the fans who faints dead away at the thought of Tnew returning punts, you're starting to convince me.

Sort of.

I like the "slippery slope" idea you brought up in an earlier post. If starters are too valuable to contribute in ST areas they excel on, what's the next step? Holding them out against bruisers, not letting them run certain patterns as they may get hurt? It's about physicality on any play, and a player can get hurt in the parking lot. (see Neil O'Donnell)

You brought up Deion, which was risking the ultimate impact player. But Deion was a FREAK, and not utilizing that kind of talent would have been absurd. Just how good is Tnew at returns, just good, not great, and what is our risk-reward ratio?

We win on defense and will need to again for at least the early part of the season. We win on defense without am elite pass rush. We win on blitzes. We win on defense with just ONE very good cover corner, and sad depth at the position. And, we are a playoff team.

The risk-reward ratios on some of those teams you listed so nicely is not as high. But I can tell you even on the 6-10 Jets, we held our breath very time Santana had one kicked to him.

One of these kids has to provide a viable alternative to Tnew. As someone mentioned, enough of them were brought in.

We can forget Mr Ward, named "Fair Catch" by the Jets fanbase. Tuna kept telling him he would teach him to be a Meggett or a McConkey. All he ever resembled as a return specialist was Mr Magoo. Ward makes Joey look tough.

[blindzebra]

Hostile,
I am inclined to agree that TNew MAY be the player we least can afford to lose and yes Deion did play on loaded teams. However, I believe Anquan Boldin is the player Arizona can't afford to lose and they have him returning punts. In theory I agree with all of you that the 'Boys can't lose TNew and he shouldn't return punts however, as a practical matter this team is not loaded enough to be sitting their best players.

They HAD him returning, I bet he does not this year. ;)

[blindzebra]

To go with the risk/reward idea:

2003 punt returns 916, TDs 16, 1.7%

2003 kickoff returns 1155, TDs 11, .95%

Total returns 2071, 27 TDs, 1.3%

When you are talking about 1 TD every 100 returns, is that worth the risk?

[slick325]

Nice research, Slick.

And altho I'm one of the fans who faints dead away at the thought of Tnew returning punts, you're starting to convince me.

Sort of.

I like the "slippery slope" idea you brought up in an earlier post. If starters are too valuable to contribute in ST areas they excel on, what's the next step? Holding them out against bruisers, not letting them run certain patterns as they may get hurt? It's about physicality on any play, and a player can get hurt in the parking lot. (see Neil O'Donnell)

You brought up Deion, which was risking the ultimate impact player. But Deion was a FREAK, and not utilizing that kind of talent would have been absurd. Just how good is Tnew at returns, just good, not great, and what is our risk-reward ratio?

We win on defense and will need to again for at least the early part of the season. We win on defense without am elite pass rush. We win on blitzes. We win on defense with just ONE very good cover corner, and sad depth at the position. And, we are a playoff team.

The risk-reward ratios on some of those teams you listed so nicely is not as high. But I can tell you even on the 6-10 Jets, we held our breath very time Santana had one kicked to him.

One of these kids has to provide a viable alternative to Tnew. As someone mentioned, enough of them were brought in.

We can forget Mr Ward, named "Fair Catch" by the Jets fanbase. Tuna kept telling him he would teach him to be a Meggett or a McConkey. All he ever resembled as a return specialist was Mr Magoo. Ward makes Joey look tough.



LTN,
Hope you had a great 4th.

As I have stated on many of my posts, I merely want the BEST player on the field and let the chips fall where they may. I hope one of the rookies or Z. Smith can assume the PR job and make an impact, that way our defense wouldn't lose our best corner and the best corner in our division. The main fear I have is the kid getting worn out due to his double duties as punt returner and LCB not really injury. Fair competition at every postion is what Coach Parcells is famous for, along with a stout running game, a tough defense and STRONG SPECIAL TEAMS. All I ask is that they throw TNew in the mix and if he is not good enough to beat out the others, so be it.

By the way, I think TNew has "freakish" ability as a punt returner. He can change field position in a hurry. He is capable of taking one back anytime he touches the ball and even if he doesn't the opposing team will be trying to angle kick and cost themselves field position. Either way, our offense would be getting a shorter field.

[junk]

Personally, I would prefer to see someone other than Newman back there. A guy that can be the 4th or 5th WR or DB who only plays in emergency situations and does returns.

[LaTunaNostra]

LTN,
Hope you had a great 4th.

As I have stated on many of my posts, I merely want the BEST player on the field and let the chips fall where they may. I hope one of the rookies or Z. Smith can assume the PR job and make an impact, that way our defense wouldn't lose our best corner and the best corner in our division. The main fear I have is the kid getting worn out due to his double duties as punt returner and LCB not really injury. Fair competition at every postion is what Coach Parcells is famous for, along with a stout running game, a tough defense and STRONG SPECIAL TEAMS. All I ask is that they throw TNew in the mix and if he is not good enough to beat out the others, so be it.

By the way, I think TNew has "freakish" ability as a punt returner. He can change field position in a hurry. He is capable of taking one back anytime he touches the ball and even if he doesn't the opposing team will be trying to angle kick and cost themselves field position. Either way, our offense would be getting a shorter field.

Hope you had a great 4th too, Slick.

Well, you're right you can't win w/o the best players on the field, especially when your talent pool isn't all that broad to begin with.

Re your post to Hostile on Boldin. That will be an interesting one to watch. I'm sure Denny Green is trying to find good ST players the same way every other coach is...with low round picks and UFAs. But they did draft Larry Fitz and now with he and Boldin, I'd think the fear of losing him would be decreased just a tiny bit. (not that a young player of that quality is anything you like risking.) If they can't get a better, less risky option elsewhere, Boldin will be returning.

The Jets traded for McCairens so it will be interesting there to see who returns.

And very interesting your takes on Tnew's ability...if he is that good....

[slick325]

To go with the risk/reward idea:

2003 punt returns 916, TDs 16, 1.7%

2003 kickoff returns 1155, TDs 11, .95%

Total returns 2071, 27 TDs, 1.3%

When you are talking about 1 TD every 100 returns, is that worth the risk?

BZ,
Field position my friend. Field position. Yes, that is worth the risk. Coach Parcells preaches field position to his special teams. Getting the ball at your opponents 40 yd line as opposed to starting at your own 20 is worth the risk. Getting the ball at your own 40 is better than getting it inside your 20yd line. Think field position not just taking it to the house. It helps any offense and I think we all agree that our offense needs to have field position advantages.

[blindzebra]

BZ,
Field position my friend. Field position. Yes, that is worth the risk. Coach Parcells preaches field position to his special teams. Getting the ball at your opponents 40 yd line as opposed to starting at your own 20 is worth the risk. Getting the ball at your own 40 is better than getting it inside your 20yd line. Think field position not just taking it to the house. It helps any offense and I think we all agree that our offense needs to have field position advantages.


The same concept applies. The league leader in punts averaged 16 yards per, 9 yards better than Zuriel Smith. Most returners fell in the 10 or 11 yard range.

The same gap existed on kick off returns.

If we were talking about plus 20 on EVERY return, than fine, but we aren't.

At this point and time Newman is too valuable to the defense to risk for a plus 3 or 4 yards per punt return.

[Tio]

If newman shows a rare gift in preseason fine, but if he is only marginally better it is too much of a risk. If we only kept woody...

[slick325]

The same concept applies. The league leader in punts averaged 16 yards per, 9 yards better than Zuriel Smith. Most returners fell in the 10 or 11 yard range.

The same gap existed on kick off returns.

If we were talking about plus 20 on EVERY return, than fine, but we aren't.

At this point and time Newman is too valuable to the defense to risk for a plus 3 or 4 yards per punt return.

BZ,
I am impressed with your meticulous nature. However, the averages do not illustrate when a team punts the ball out of bounds to avoid Santana Moss, Dante Hall, Brian Mitchell or Phillip Buchanon. That normally gives offenses good field position. If there is a threat back there it changes the dynamics of the game well beyond stats and averages.

[MichaelWinicki]

To go with the risk/reward idea:

2003 punt returns 916, TDs 16, 1.7%

2003 kickoff returns 1155, TDs 11, .95%

Total returns 2071, 27 TDs, 1.3%

When you are talking about 1 TD every 100 returns, is that worth the risk?


That is a valid point.

[blindzebra]

BZ,
I am impressed with your meticulous nature. However, the averages do not illustrate when a team punts the ball out of bounds to avoid Santana Moss, Dante Hall, Brian Mitchell or Phillip Buchanon. That normally gives offenses good field position. If there is a threat back there it changes the dynamics of the game well beyond stats and averages.

I did not have time to look up average starting position stats, but if you look at total returns the Jets and Raiders are around the average in total returns.

Yes the threat would lead to a few shanks, but it also neutralizes the threat to take it to the house, so you may end up with a 30 yard punt with no return instead of a 45 yard punt and a 25 yard return.

I think in the long run it would be a wash.

I'd rather have a 10 or 11 yard returner with a chance to make a play on EVERY kick and protect Newman, than risk Newman and him only getting 15 or 20 chances to return it because of directional kicks.

[Hip]

A couple of people have said that he shouldn't be back there because he is valuable. I agree totally that he is valuable but wasn't Deion????

[slick325]

I did not have time to look up average starting position stats, but if you look at total returns the Jets and Raiders are around the average in total returns.

Yes the threat would lead to a few shanks, but it also neutralizes the threat to take it to the house, so you may end up with a 30 yard punt with no return instead of a 45 yard punt and a 25 yard return.

I think in the long run it would be a wash.

I'd rather have a 10 or 11 yard returner with a chance to make a play on EVERY kick and protect Newman, than risk Newman and him only getting 15 or 20 chances to return it because of directional kicks.

BZ,
We'll just have to agree to disagree and see what Coach Parcells sees is best for the team come training camp. I do appreciate a good logic based debate.

[big dog cowboy]

By the way, I think TNew has "freakish" ability as a punt returner. He can change field position in a hurry. He is capable of taking one back anytime he touches the ball and even if he doesn't the opposing team will be trying to angle kick and cost themselves field position. Either way, our offense would be getting a shorter field.

Two thoughts on this.

First, given our offense, we need the shortest possible field to work with. :(

Second, it is pretty clear that not many people had the pleasure/opportunity to watch any K-State games two years ago.

Had he not been a rookie in addition to starting, he would have been our return man last year. Everybody forget that? Hopefully someone will step up and prove worthy of that responsibility. Otherwise Newman is our guy INHO.

[billknows]

You are correct that since Sehorn's injury few regular players have returned kicks. I took your advice and checked rosters.

Here's a list of starters who also return punts:

NYJ: WR Santana Moss (Jets leading receiver)

Raiders: RCB Philip Buchanon (1st round draft pick two seasons ago and a starter at RCB)

Buffalo: RCB Nate Clements (starting RCB former 1st rounder)

Bengals: WR Peter Warrick (starting WR and 2nd in receptions and yds. for Bengals)

Browns: WR Dennis Northcut (leading WR in receptions and yds.)

Titans: WR Justin McCareins (#2 receiver for Titans)

Cardinals: WR Anquan Boldin (Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl WR)

Bears: CB R.W. McQuarters

Panthers: WR Steve Smith (I think TNew, the Cowboys and us as fans know who he is right?)

Bottom line is no matter whether this is the "Old" or "New" NFL one thing is consistent......you put playmakers on the field no matter what! Darrell Green, Tim Brown, Deion Sanders, Rod Woodson all hall of famers and all "playmakers" were punt returners. Stop with the excuses, if Newman is the best at it, he should be returning punts.





I just could not help but notice, all these teams SUCK....except one mabey.

I say use newman only if he's the best,and only when a big play is needed to win or tie late

[hockix]

A couple of people have said that he shouldn't be back there because he is valuable. I agree totally that he is valuable but wasn't Deion????

The problem is depth at the position. If we loose Newman, the step between him and his backup is awfully big.
And we don't have a FS to help.

Newman has to be so much better than any other or it doesn't worth the risk.

[Doomsday101]

If you have a weapon then use it. I doubt Newman will be a full time return man then again I watched Sanders do it and do it very effectively. Yes you run risk of injury but that risk is there any time you take the field.

[hockix]

If you have a weapon then use it. I doubt Newman will be a full time return man then again I watched Sanders do it and do it very effectively. Yes you run risk of injury but that risk is there any time you take the field.

It is true that there is a risk every time you get on the field. But sometimes, it is wise to calculate the risk.

If we had at least another average CB and a real FS to cover any lost, than I would agree using Newman to ST.

[Doomsday101]

It is true that there is a risk every time you get on the field. But sometimes, it is wise to calculate the risk.

If we had at least another average CB and a real FS to cover any lost, than I would agree using Newman to ST.

Man we have many guys on special team who are also starters, you put the best players on the field. Right now we have an offense who can't score so the special teams is critical to this teams success to hopfully score and to set up the offense in the best possiable field position that we can. Jimmy Johnson was never shy about putting starting players on special teams and I'm glad Parcells is not going to shy away from it either.

[Nors]

If newman shows a rare gift in preseason fine, but if he is only marginally better it is too much of a risk. If we only kept woody...
He couldn't return punts. He was more a kick returner and thats a dime a dozen. If Tnew is a clear upgrade and has big play potentional I have no issue playing him situationally. I would not advocate him as our full time Punt Returner.

Also, Troy Brown is an impact player who returns punts.

[Nors]

Man we have many guys on special team who are also starters, you put the best players on the field. Right now we have an offense who can't score so the special teams is critical to this teams success to hopfully score and to set up the offense in the best possiable field position that we can. Jimmy Johnson was never shy about putting starting players on special teams and I'm glad Parcells is not going to shy away from it either.

Isn't he on coverage teams? Woodson too his career.

[Doomsday101]

Isn't he on coverage teams? Woodson too his career.

Who Newman or Roy Williams? Newman I do not think is on coverage unit but Roy is. Flozell is also on special teams and is considered out best lineman.

[Nors]

Newman towers at the corner with versatility
By Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY
In his final college game Terence Newman played nearly 130 snaps. Working overtime on defense, offense and special teams, he lost about 5 pounds. His legs burned with fatigue, and he was pushed to the brink mentally. Without him, Kansas State would never have overcome a 20-7 deficit to defeat Arizona State in the Holiday Bowl.

Kansas State's Terence Newman (4), a cornerback by trade, has NFL scouts drooling over his versatility on the field.
By Orlin Wagner, AP

Newman, a cornerback by trade, tallied 149 all-purpose yards while doubling as a receiver and returner. A 29-yard end-around sparked one scoring drive; a 27-yard punt return set up the winning touchdown.

Oh, he also led the Wildcats with 10 tackles.

That "Hustle Award" snapshot says much about why Newman is the unquestioned choice as the top cornerback and a likely top-six pick in the April 26-27 NFL draft.

Newman chipped in on offense throughout the season in addition to starring on special teams.

"It's made me a lot better," Newman, who averaged 85-90 plays a game last year, says of his receiver work. "You see the game a different way. Playing DB, you get to look at things you'd do against yourself."

Newman, 24, says he's "dabbled" as a sprinter, too — enough to win two Big 12 100-meter titles.

"Versatility goes a long ways," adds Newman, who averaged 26.1 yards on kick returns and 15.4 on punts last season and has been timed at 4.2 seconds for 40 yards.

Whichever NFL team lands Newman will be pleased if he just masters defense and adds punch on returns. He's well-equipped to become a shutdown corner, playing press coverage about 85%-90% at K-State and beaten for just one TD last season — "Rashaun Woods of Oklahoma State. A fade. A questionable call," he says.

Newman often hears comparisons to Washington Redskins cornerback Champ Bailey, a two-way player at Georgia who has focused on defense in the NFL and become a two-time Pro Bowl pick.

Says Newman, "Watching his movements and how fluid he is, it kind of reminds me of myself."

Yet Newman (5-10, 189) doesn't have Bailey's size. How he's able to match up against bigger receivers could define his success.

He's undeterred. After all, he's the same guy whose pickup basketball game buddies derided him as too small (150 pounds in high school) to survive on the gridiron.

"All these teams are looking for tall receivers because they know there's a lack of tall corners," the savvy Salina, Kan., native says.

Newman won't solely counter with his speed and jumping ability. He has studied video of current and ex-corners, including Bailey, Darrell Green, Deion Sanders and Charles Woodson. He raves about Bailey's footwork and the quick, one-hand jam technique Sanders and Woodson perfected.

"I tried to incorporate that in my game," he says.

In the pre-draft countdown, Newman has left another impression as an ultra-competitor. While most top prospects refused to run at the combine, Newman blazed a 4.39 mark in the 40-yard run on the supposed slow track at the RCA Dome. Many would let that time stand. But two weeks later he posted a 4.38 at K-State's pro day.

He hustles with a purpose.

"I'm not going to be satisfied until I push myself away from everybody else," he says. "There's competition, and I just want to come out on top."

[Nors]

Interesting some of the names on that list.

Domanick Davis all over the list

Jemeel Powell had 2 100 plus punt return days (sleeper) 5-116-1 and 3-103-1

Terrance Copper made list 2-94

Newman made it with a 4-82-1

Names also all over list, Wes Welker, Dangelo Hall, Groce, Jason Armstead, Abney

Eugene Wilson on list. I know bp/bb have stated they like their positional players to have Return skills. Usually tends to be they have better hands and are more elusive in general.

[Nors]

Nathan Jones
CB, Rutgers
War Room analysis
Jones figures to be typecast as a special teams player. He was sixth in the nation in kickoff return average (28 yards per return) and an All Big-East player as a kick returner.

Correspondent Analysis
Draft-day analysis: If Jones makes this team, it will be as a special teams contributor. He had two 100-yard kickoff returns in 2002 and was the Big East co-special teams player of the year. Special teams is a big priority under Parcells, and he wants players like Jones to be difference makers.

[Nors]

Patrick Crayton
WR, Northwestern Oklahoma State
War Room analysis
Crayton played wide receiver his first three years in college and then switched to quarterback for his senior year, taking his team to the NAIA title game. If he makes an NFL roster, though, it'll likely be as a punt returner and special teams coverage player.

Correspondent Analysis
Draft-day analysis: The Cowboys love his athleticism. He moved from quarterback to receiver in college and if he makes the team it will be as a kick returner. He doesn't have tremendous speed, but is more of a slasher in the mode of Brian Mitchell.

[Nors]

Tom Crowder
WR, Arkansas
Player Bio
Crowder is projected to be a special teams player. Crowder, who was known for his speed throughout his career, made numerous plays on Arkansas punt block, punt return and kickoff teams. He scored three career special teams touchdowns, blocked two punts and even intercepted a fake field goal attempt during Arkansas' 27-13 win against Missouri in the Independence Bowl.

[Chocolate Lab]

Good thread in this oh-so-slow time of year.

I'm for letting him try punt returning. Why not? He could have been hurt blocking the gunner on the punt return team, too, but Parcells let him do that last year. He's a gifted player at the position... Why not put our best players on the field? As slick has said, it would at least cause some anxiety for the punting team, knowing that one blown assignment could mean a touchdown. The problem with 4.6 guys like Zuriel is that even if they have a lane or get free at first, they get caught from behind.

I'm hoping Parcells' reluctance to let him do it last year had to do with how Newman wore down and lost weight as the year went on. Maybe with the muscle Newman has supposedly added, Parcells will at least be more inclined to give him a chance.

And BTW, I'm talking only about punt returning, which is a lot less risky than kickoff returning (like what got Sehorn). Kickoff returns have a lot more full-speed collisions... Which is disappointing, because Julius was so good at them in college and I wanted to see him do it for us!

[Nors]

Good thread in this oh-so-slow time of year.

I'm for letting him try punt returning. Why not? He could have been hurt blocking the gunner on the punt return team, too, but Parcells let him do that last year. He's a gifted player at the position... Why not put our best players on the field? As slick has said, it would at least cause some anxiety for the punting team, knowing that one blown assignment could mean a touchdown. The problem with 4.6 guys like Zuriel is that even if they have a lane or get free at first, they get caught from behind.

I'm hoping Parcells' reluctance to let him do it last year had to do with how Newman wore down and lost weight as the year went on. Maybe with the muscle Newman has supposedly added, Parcells will at least be more inclined to give him a chance.

And BTW, I'm talking only about punt returning, which is a lot less risky than kickoff returning (like what got Sehorn). Kickoff returns have a lot more full-speed collisions... Which is disappointing, because Julius was so good at them in college and I wanted to see him do it for us!

Maybe Parcells thought it was more important to let Newman be 100% focused on CB. Probably thought Zuriel would do more. My guess is he gives Tnew a chance to at least situationally PR this season.