2013 IDP Return Men

In IDP leagues that issue points for return yardage, fantasy owners can get a little more creative with their defensive back selections. Often times relatively unknown secondary players can produce at a higher than “normal” rate due to their role as return men. Even defensive backs who are strictly limited to third down nickel packages can have nice value in these leagues due to their return yardage production.

Listed below are defensive players who have a possibility to return either kicks, punts, or both this season. A lot of these players are backups in most defensive packages; however, there are a few who actually start on defense as well. I’ve notated which players are starters and which players are bench players. Overall, the picking is quite slim.

Feel free to call out any omissions or necessary changes to the list in the comments section below. This list will continually be updated throughout the regular season.

(In general order of value)

CB Patrick Peterson (PR)*
CB Leodis McKelvin (PR)*
S Tyrann Mathieu (PR)
CB Javier Arenas (PR/KR)
CB Marcus Sherels (PR/KR)
CB Adam Jones (PR)
CB Brandon Boykin (KR)

Patrick Peterson is probably still the most valuable person on this list and will likely be the first cornerback taken in many leagues that issue points for return yardage. There’s been a lot of talk about Peterson contributing offensively as a wide receiver this year, but I wouldn’t bank on him seeing any more than a handful of snaps in each game, however. There’s also a good chance that the Honey Badger and newly-acquired Javier Arenas will steal some return share away from him. This is a situation to watch closely as all three players will likely get their chance to shine and Peterson or Mathieu could wind up having very nice value this season in return yardage leagues.

Leodis McKelvin has missed valuable practice time over the last week or so due to an undisclosed injury, but he’s still a good bet to land the starting cornerback gig if nothing else than due to his large contract. He’s not currently slated to return kicks however as the team wants him to focus more on his defensive role. He still has value as a starting cornerback who receives a majority of the punt return duties, however.

The Vikings have narrowed down their punt returner battle to Marcus Sherels and Bobby Felder. Even if Sherels lands the gig, he doesn’t see enough defensive snaps to warrant draft consideration. Same goes for Adam Jones and Brandon Boykin.

*Signifies a defensive starter

Last Updated: September 4, 2013