Washington No Longer Jets Punt Returner

Dave Hutchinson from the Newark Star-Ledger is reporting that Rex Ryan has pulled Leaon Washington from his role as the Jets punt returner, and will place newly acquired safety Jim Leonhard in the role.

Last season, Leonhard averaged 11.6 yards per return with a long of 46 yards on 20 returns. He isn't a dynamic returner but he does the most important thing that a punt returner must do -- he catches the ball.

At the same time, Ryan has said that he plans to use Washington more from the line of scrimmage and give him more carries this upcoming season.

Leonhard may not be the quickest punt returner out there, but according to Rex Ryan, he can catch the football "in a hurricane."

I hate to speculate here, but what if the Jets can find an even better punt returner by way of wide receiver Jeremy Maclin? Maclin was an elite returner in college, and also a dynamic, stand-out receiver for the Mizzou Tigers. If available at #17, he would seem like an obvious pick for the Jets, especially considering the recent departure of Laveranues Coles.

I simply can't wait for the draft talk to start up...