Kicker: Greg Zurlein (2012-2019)
The Rams’ special teams changed forever when they drafted a local Division II kicker. Zuerlein quickly earned the nickname “Legatron” due to the incredible power of his leg. I don’t think Zuerlein has ever come up short on a field goal in his eight seasons with the Rams. He’s made 82% of his field goals and hit from over 50 yards 33 times. He attempted the most 50-yard field goals in NFL history as a rookie and is one of two players to hit from over 60 yards twice. Zuerlein might be the best kicker the franchise has ever had.
Honorable Mention: None.
Punter: Johnny Hekker (2012-2019)
The Rams’ not-so-secret weapon, Hekker has made opposing teams fear both his leg and his arm. He was the best punter in the NFL last decade. Hekker has been selected as a first-team All-Pro four times, a second-team All-pro twice, and has made four Pro Bowl squads. His 65-yard punt in Super Bowl LIII is a Super Bowl record.
Still, despite all the accolades for his kicking ability, Hekker is best known for his ability to convert on fakes. The Rams relied on him in big spots multiple times over the decade, and he usually delivered. He’s the only punter in franchise history to throw for a touchdown since the merger.
Honorable Mention: Donnie Jones
Return specialist: Tavon Austin (2013-2017)
It feels a bit odd to choose a guy who’s replacement became an All-Pro return specialist while he was still on the roster. But it also doesn’t feel right to talk about the Rams’ last decade without mentioning Tavon Austin.
Austin was one of the most lethal weapons the Rams have put on a football field this decade despite the fact that he isn’t even that good of a football player. One thing was always true when it came to Tavon: If he had the ball in the open field, he was as good as anybody in the league. This was true both on offense and on special teams. Austin returned a kick for a touchdown in each of his first three seasons with the Rams. While he never quite lived up to expectations as a Ram, he was a dangerous player on special teams under John Fassel and Jeff Fisher.
For whatever reason, it feels right for Tavon Austin to be the final player on this team.
Honorable Mention: Pharoh Cooper