Who are the Rams return men this offseason?

Rams return men remain a heated topic this offseason, and that scrutiny is warranted. Special teams often decide field position and swing close games. However, the Rams’ upgrades so far feel incremental rather than transformational. They added long snapper Joe Cardona and veteran grinder Grant Stuard. Those moves improve fundamentals, but they do not directly fix kick or punt return duties.

Because Xavier Smith muffed late in the NFC Championship, fans remember costly miscues. Kick return averages and return yardage remain mixed among candidates like Ronnie Rivers. Moreover, Jordan Whittington, Blake Corum, Brennan Presley and Kyren Williams show upside. Analysts should approach punt and kick returns separately, because they require different skillsets. Punt returners need shifty feet and sure hands while kick returners need size and burst. Furthermore, the roster fight makes it unclear who will handle consistent return duties. Therefore, even with offseason work, the Rams’ return game still merits cautious skepticism.

Rams return men: Kick return candidates and return averages

The kick return group offers mixed results and few clear standouts. Jordan Whittington led the Rams with 24 returns for 589 yards. That produced a 24.5 yard average and a 38 yard long. Ronnie Rivers averaged 25.9 yards on 22 returns and posted a 46 yard long. Pro Football Focus noted Rivers was the most effective kick returner per return. However, Rivers still ranked only tied for 30th in kick return average. Blake Corum and Xavier Smith posted similar averages in the low 23s. Corum had 14 returns for 326 yards and a 23.3 average. Smith totaled 301 yards on 13 returns for a 23.2 average. Therefore, the Rams lack a big play, consistently elite kick returner.

Rams return men: Punt return work, ball security, and field position

Punt return performance raises more red flags than kick returns. Xavier Smith handled most punt duties with 30 returns for 249 yards. He averaged 8.3 yards per return with a long of 31 yards. Yet he recorded two muffs, including a costly NFC Championship error. Kyren Williams had only one recorded punt return for eight yards. PFF ranks Williams 26th in punt return average, which sits below league median. Brennan Presley offers a long return touchdown on his college resume and some upside. However, he lacks consistent NFL tape in this role so far. CJ Daniels remains a newcomer with minimal experience returning kicks and punts.

Special teams signings improved fundamentals in the offseason. For example, the Rams added long snapper Joe Cardona and veteran special teamer Grant Stuard. But those moves address coverage and snaps more than return explosiveness. Thus, if Rivers remains the Rams’ best return man, that may not be sufficient. All data from Pro Football Focus (PFF).

Special teams upgrades and the state of Rams return men

The Rams made sensible special teams additions this offseason. They signed long snapper Joe Cardona and added coverage veteran Grant Stuard. Cardona stabilizes the snap exchange. Stuard brings nearly 1,700 special teams snaps and tackles expertise. However, these moves shore up fundamentals more than they create explosive return options.

What the upgrades fix and what remains broken

• Cardona improves long snapping and punt protection. That reduces timing errors on returns. However, he does not affect return averages or ball skills.
• Stuard upgrades coverage units, improving opponent return containment and tackling. Yet he cannot be a return man.
• The roster fight limits specialist spots. With finite 53-man slots, the team must choose between depth and athletic potential.

Because Xavier Smith muffed late in the NFC Championship, concerns about ball security linger. Smith recorded two muffs on punts last season. Fans recall the costly NFC Championship error at Lumen Field. Therefore, improving secure hands on punt returns should be a priority.

Candidate decisions hinge on roster math and role specialization

We should approach kick returns and punts separately. Kick returners need bulk and tackle-breaking ability. Punt returners require shifty feet and sure hands. Ronnie Rivers graded as the most effective kick returner per return, per PFF. However, Rivers still ranked tied 30th in kick return average. Kyren Williams ranked 26th in punt return average. Those numbers indicate modest upside but no clear elite option.

Key roster challenges include

• Limited spots for return-only specialists.
• Need for players who contribute on coverage or offense as well.
• The risk that undrafted free agents lack ability for NFL return duties.

In short, the Rams improved core special teams functions. Yet those upgrades do not solve the central return problem. As one analyst put it, “But as encouraging as the special teams improvements overall are, I still wonder if the Rams have done enough to improve in the return game.” Therefore, cautious skepticism remains warranted heading into camps.

The Rams return men situation remains unresolved despite sensible special teams upgrades. Joe Cardona and Grant Stuard strengthen fundamentals and coverage. However, those additions do not directly solve punt or kick return explosiveness. Xavier Smith still raises ball security concerns after his NFC Championship muff. Ronnie Rivers shows the best per return effectiveness, but league averages suggest limited upside. Jordan Whittington and Blake Corum offer dependable volume, yet no clear elite returner emerges.

Therefore, roster math will dictate the final solution. The team must balance return duties with depth and special teams coverage needs. Undrafted options and inexperienced newcomers offer little certainty. As a result, cautious skepticism is appropriate heading into camp.

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