Before we get into the 2005 SFL Draft, let's take a look at who are the most promising rising stars in the SFL. I compiled a roster of the top players under 25 years old heading into the 2005 season. In the previous 2 articles, I delivered the offensive unit and the defensive team. This part now will cover the special teams. To make things clear this list will consist of a returner (RET), a punter (P) and a kicker (K). Even though there are other specialists on special teams, such as long snapper or holder, these won't be covered since Madden doesn't provide any distinctively measurable data on those positions.
Note: This roster selection is based on the players production in 2004 season. To be eligible, players must be 24 years old or younger when the new season kicks off.
RET Leigh Bodden | 24 years old | Pittsburgh Steelers
Bodden may not have flashy speed as a returner but he compensates that weakness with an excellent vision of finding best open ways to take the ball into the opposing team's territory. He returned 79 kickoffs for 1,767 total yards averaging 22.37 yards per kick return. He also returned 25 punts for 136 total yards averaging an amazing 5.44 yards per punt return. Even though he didn't return any kick or punt into the endzone last season, he did scored 4 kick return for touchdowns in his rookie season. I am quite sure if the Steelers stick with him as their primary returner, he'll increase his production in this upcoming season.
P Eddie Johnson | 24 years old | St. Louis Rams
Johnson ranked as the third highest average yards per punt last season. That alone speaks volume to what caliber of a punter he is. As a second year punter, he increased his total punt yards from 3,121 in his rookie season to 3,359 with fewer number of punt attempts. He also increased his average per punt by more than 7 yards from 39.51 yards to 46.65 yards. Judging by his attributes and increasing production, in the near future, he might become one of the punters making the Pro Bowl.
K Nate Kaeding | 23 years old | San Diego Chargers
As a 22-year old rookie kicker, Kaeding converted 80% of his field goal attempts, making 28 out of his 35 field goal attempts. Even though that's not a perfect number, his first season in the league still can be considered as a good season for a rookie kicker. Because he managed to not miss any single extra point kick, making 45 out of 45 extra point attempts. I'm quite sure he will up his successful field goal percentage this season due to his increased football IQ and confidence, just like what Eddie Johnson did last season. The Chargers should feel more comfortable with their kicking situation now.
This concludes the third and last part of my roster selection of the rising stars for 2005 SFL All-Under-25 Team. Thank you for reading this series of articles and I really appreciate your feedbacks. For the next article, I will try to assemble an interesting list of players based on some category just for the fun of it. If you have any comments, thoughts or suggestions, please leave those below. NOW, LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLEEEEEEE FOR THE 2005 SFL DRAFT!!!
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