Frogs in the Pros: Why Derius Davis and KaVontae Turpin Are Pro Bowl Worthy
Derius Davis and KaVontae Turpin continue to perform as the NFL’s premier special teams returners, and are deserving of a 2024 Pro Bowl selection.
Derius Davis and KaVontae Turpin are making a serious case for 2024 Pro Bowl selection
Derius Davis
Oct 1, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis (12) runs the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Selected in the 4th round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers, Davis has proven his worth as a special teams returner. His quickness, agility, and vision are key parts of his game that see him excel in the NFL with the Bolts.
When it comes to kick returns, Davis ranks among the best in the NFL. His 305 kick return yards rank 6th in the NFL, averaging 21.8 yards per return. If this isn't impressive enough–for a rookie, too–Davis is even more efficient in his punt return game.
Davis leads the league in punt return yards with 373 yards in 15 games this season. He's 4th in the NFL in yards per return, averaging 16.4. However, when comparing him to returners with at least ten attempts, Davis ranks 2nd. Davis is also one of only six players to have a punt return for a touchdown after punching in an 87-yard score against the New York Jets in November.
Comparatively speaking, Davis' 2023 statistics compare incredibly well to Turpin's 2022 statistics when he was selected to the Pro Bowl. In fewer games, Davis has more punt return yards and is more efficient than Turpin in his Pro Bowl season last year.
| KaVontae Turpin (2022)* | Derius Davis (2023) | |
|---|---|---|
Games Played | 17 | 15 |
Punt Return Attempts | 29 | 22 |
Punt Return Yards | 303 | 360 |
Yards/Punt Return | 10.4 | 16.4 |
Punt Return TDs | 0 | 1 |
Kick Return Attempts | 21 | 14 |
Kick Return Yards | 508 | 305 |
Yards/Kick Return | 24.2 | 21.8 |
Kick Return TDs | 0 | 0 |
KaVontae Turpin
Sep 10, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin (9) celebrates his rushing touchdown with teammates during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Looking at Turpin involves a more holistic review. While Davis’ case is made based on his involvement on special teams, Turpin has added another dimension to his game.
In his second year in the NFL, Turpin has become more involved in the Dallas Cowboys’ offense. What is special about Turpin is his efficiency as both a rusher and pass-catcher, further increasing his value and utility to the Cowboys. Through his 14 games played this season, the second-year receiver has 12 receptions for 127 yards and three touchdowns, and ten carries for 105 yards and a touchdown.
On special teams, Turpin is finding success on kick returns. He has nine returns for 263 yards, averaging 29.2 yards per return. He ranks 6th in yards per return; however, when comparing him to returners with at least five attempts, he ranks 3rd in the NFL.
Davis and Turpin are deserving of a 2024 Pro Bowl selection. As two of the premier special teams returners, and of course, Horned Frogs, it would be a great way to represent both the AFC and NFC.
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