Arizona Cardinals Special Teams Depth Chart
Punt/Kick Returner:
Oct 25, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; UAB Blazers punt returner J.J. Nelson (1) on a punt return during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated UAB 45-17. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
He was selected by the Cardinals in the fifth round in 2015, and JJ Nelson has a good chance to make the team as the kick and punt returner. With the loss of Ted Ginn Jr. in the offseason, Nelson can make a huge impact on the special teams game.
While at Alabama-Birmingham he had five kickoffs returned for touchdowns, third all-time in Conference USA history. He averaged 38.9-yards per kickoff return, and should be a great returning in the NFL.
The Cardinals currently list John Brown as the kickoff returner and Patrick Peterson as the punt returner. Neither will be considered for the job because of their roles in other capacities on the team.
Nelson was the fastest player in the NFL Combine with a 40 time of 4.28 seconds. If he can use just part of that speed in the return game, the Cardinals should be set.
But who knows, will Patrick Peterson make a comeback to the return game?