When the NFL announced the new NFL kick-off rules, many people, including myself, were excited about the potential changes to make the kick-off more exciting.
We even saw players who are primarily returners get contracts this offseason in anticipation.
Other than making it more exciting for fans, there are a few potential benefits that might help with development. One of the first things that come to mind is the fact that teams are not going to carry pure special teamers anymore and will likely fill the special teams units with their key backups and younger players earning a spot.
The new rule should allow for some mimicking of the regular game, and defensive development players will get a shot at setting up and making open field tackles. Offensive players will also be able to have a chance in trick plays or in the open field as well.
For example, instead of a pure special-teamer running down on a kick-off, the Patriots could throw out a developmental safety and allow him to develop certain skills, like block shedding and open field tackling, to earn a shot on the first three downs. The same goes for offense, as the No. 3 tight end might showcase some up-field blocking that would be valuable to the offense in 12 personnel.
Lastly, the NFL and its special teams coaches will likely need to get creative. They could involve certain blocking setups and some laterals to throw off the kicking team. Coaches will need to be more engaged, and it would even provide a closer gap to defense and offense, if those special teams assistants want to break into the other two sides of the ball, which is a feat that was simply harder to do for aspiring coaches.
It may not be too exciting for most, but in terms of roster building, players will need to ensure they can handle their primary position duties and excel on special teams now, rather than being primarily special-teamers and defensive/offensive players second.
It’ll be fun to see this rule in action, allowing better field position at times and potentially opening up the game for teams looking to make a comeback late in games.