Green Bay Packers Go from No Returner to 2008 Pro Bowl Kick Returner Clifton Smith?

The Green Bay Packers have had a horrific special teams unit since Ted Thompson took over in 2005. Despite being one of 2010's Super Bowl favorites, the Packers have question marks on all elements of their special teams. They don't even have a legitimate return specialist for punts and kicks.

With Clifton Smith, they will... and he's been one of the league's best the past two seasons.

After Michael Spurlock ended the Buccaneers kickoff return for a touchdown drought that had extended from their 1970s inauguration into 2007, Clifton Smith secured kick returning duties in 2008. His kick returning ability made him a 2008 Pro Bowler, and he averaged nearly 30 yards per return in 2009.

Why would the Buccaneers cut him? The Buccaneers already have three return specialists on their roster who have returned touchdowns on kickoffs for the Buccaneers, including Michael Spurlock. The abundance of proven return specialists, Smith's injury history, and his inability to handle the ball made him the victim of preseason cuts for the Buccaneers.

The Green Bay Packers needed a kick returner, especially after the dismissal of Will Blackmon. With only Jordy Nelson and Tramon Williams as options, both of which are valuable components of the offense and defense, the Packers are bringing in Smith to handle the duties.

Clifton Smith is a very productive kick and punt returner. However, he's prone to fumbling. In 12 rushing attempts for the Buccaneers, he fumbled 3 times. He also fumbled twice during kickoffs in 2008 and another time after a reception in 2008. Basically, his carrying ability is like Adrian Peterson's in the NFC Championship game... but permanently. He's also coming off a knee injury this preseason which could potentially impact his mobility and elusiveness.

With 3 players who've returned kicks for touchdowns recently, is Clifton Smith truly a Pro Bowl caliber talent or was he a productive of the Buccaneers special teams unit? It's probably a blend of both, but don't expect Desmond Howard from this kid unless the Packers special team unit creates more lanes. As long as he's healthy, he should be a welcomed upgrade over any return specialist we've had in years for kickoff.

If the Packers sign Clifton Smith, it also gives them a third halfback, albeit very poor. With 4TEs and 3FBs already, could it spell the end for Quinn Johnson or Korey Hall?

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REFERENCES
Brian E. Murphy, "Packers Bring in Pro Bowl KR Clifton Smith." Packers Insider. September 7, 2010. September 7, 2010.

Clifton Smith ESPN Player Card as of September 7, 2010.