There's no doubt that Cavonte Turpin and John Fassel are excited about the new kickoff return rules and believe it should make games more exciting, but they're not sure how much of the 53-man roster they'll change on a game-by-game basis. Will it change if I keep it like this? Was he needed on special teams often last year, but maybe he won't be needed as much this year? – Michael Moore/Meridian, Idaho
Nick Eatman: I don't think we'll see any drastic changes to the roster composition. It may take some time to see how these formations progress. Some teams may need a big player on kickoffs to block, while others may use a faster player. After all, special teams are usually made up of reserves from all positions. Backups should be on the depth chart at most positions. So that's when you build your special teams. It's true that there may be changes in placement, but I don't think there will be any major changes in the composition of the roster.
patrick: Great question, and as I've been sitting here for the past few weeks pondering the ramifications of rule changes, I wanted to ask CJ Goodwin for his thoughts on it as well. The players are excited about this, despite the added challenge for the gunners who can't move while the ball is in the air. But I don't believe that will affect the way Mr. Fassel and Mr. McCarthy play the numbers game. After all, this is still a kickoff, and you still need gunners and players who can tackle in open space (kicking) and players who can block and clear lanes (receiving). So players like Goodwin and Sam Williams will still be important, as will whoever steps up after Dorrance Armstrong's departure. I don't think the new rules will suddenly reduce the value of the players you put on the field on special teams. In fact, they are more important than ever now that they can earn more returns. Especially the quick twitch players who can go from 0 to 100 quickly.
