Special Teamers Targeted in Drafts

[TexansFTW]

I'm kind of debating someone and wanted yall to weigh in. I will phrase my question in an unbiased way.

Do NFL scouts and GMs draft players later in the drafts to be used purely on special teams with opportunity to be used at position drafted if necessary?

To rephrase...

Do scouts and GMs draft guys that maybe play RB, but they have no need for him at RB on the team without injury ahead so they will draft the player purely as a special teamer, but if injuries or whatever happens in front they can activate them?

 

[JB]

I don't think they draft a player just for special teams but they do consider that ability with most

 

[bah007]

I would say that generally they would just try to get the best possible RB. But if their top two choices are very close and one is a special teams ace that will weigh in his favor.

 

[Lucky]

Do NFL scouts and GMs draft players later in the drafts to be used purely on special teams with opportunity to be used at position drafted if necessary?

It's happened. New England drafted Matthew Slater as a special teams player. Listed as a WR, Slater has one reception in 8 seasons. The flip side is Domanick Davis/Williams. I remember Casserly saying after the draft that he drafted Domanick as a returner. Ironically, Davis only returned a total of 7 kicks and punts during his career. But averaged over 1500 yards rushing/receiving a season in his 3 years as a Texan. Didn't Forrest Casserly also once say the draft is like a box of chocolates?

 

[pirbroke]

Trindon Holliday, drafted by Texans with no chance to play receiver, 6th round. I do remember kubes kept telling press he had to learn receiver position, but I don't think anybody believed him.