Especially with touchbacks moved to the 25
Is Deion available? Maybe Bob Hayes?
This would be Jackson's best chance at sticking immediately on the squad. His documented weaknesses as a RB won't matter as a returner.
My problem with Whitehead was that he could be tackled with one hand, but he supposedly has gained 10 lbs, mainly in his lower body, to combat that weakness. I am willing to wait and see if this helps. Dunbar is just a poor returner, injured or not.
If Darius can win the kick return position from Dunbar, then his ability to stick on the roster increases quite a bit. Still a long and tough road for him to beat out the 4 guys ahead of him. But his measurables and intangibles give me hope.
Mike Nelms?
Whitehead is going to be a real asset for us returning punts. The only thing holding him back was being a rookie. Since Whitehead is a sophomore now and the team obviously doesn't trust rookies returning kicks, be prepared for Lucky to have minimal competition in camp returning punts. It's his job to lose and judging by the offseason he seems to be having, he's not losing it.
I would like to see a myriad of players competing for both punt and kick returning duties. In addition to Whitehead and the gimpy Dunbar, I would like to see the following:
Darius Jackson - 4.3 speed, nuff said
Anthony Brown - see Darius Jackson
Ed Eagan - supposedly a terrific returner albeit against lower level competition - but better size than either Lucky or Dunbar
Cal Poly Chris Brown - does not have crazy 40 time, but is a player that did it all: rush, throw and receive
Anyone else excite you?
I do expect Whitehead to improve, but they have brought in competition this offseason, so not sure if Whitehead is a lock to keep his job.. Anxious to see how it plays out.
My problem with Whitehead was that he could be tackled with one hand, but he supposedly has gained 10 lbs, mainly in his lower body, to combat that weakness.