Special teams, the third phase of the team, are often overlooked. Such is the nature of the game. It is relevant, though, as being a true return specialist is becoming a lost art.
When the Ravens signed wide receiver Deonte Harty from the Buffalo Bills this offseason, they got a guy who provides more value as a return specialist than he does as the fifth or sixth wide receiver.
As the start of training camp looms, conventional wisdom holds that both the punt and kickoff return jobs are his to lose. After all, Harty had 752 punt return yards and 1,907 kick return yards during his four-year stay with the New Orleans Saints.
However, backup running back Justice Hill is expected to push Harty on kickoff returns, while reserve wide receiver Tylan Wallace will be his main competition on punt returns.
Regarding an x-factor, maybe Qadir Ismail, if he does stick on the roster, could be in the mix, too. After all, his dad was nicknamed “the missile,” and Qadir possesses some of his father’s explosiveness and quickness.
Rapid acceleration is one of the most essential traits for a good kick returner, and whoever showcases that ability throughout camp will get the gig.