Tyreek Hill is NFL's most dangerous potential returner in new kickoff format | Schad

Tyreek Hill has a grand total of zero kickoff returns in the past five seasons.

That means nothing.

The Dolphins absolutely must get Hill a handful of touches on kickoff return in 2024.

And we're guessing he'll want to try it, too.

Why?

Well, because the kickoff return of 2024 is nothing at all like the kickoff returns we've had for 100 years.

Or, however long.

There will be more returns in 2024. And because the kicking team is no longer taking a long and speedy head start, this play is going to be much, much safer.

In fact, Hill should be nearly as safe on a kickoff return in 2024 as he would on any screen catch or end-around or reverse play from the line of scrimmage in 2024.

And, my goodness, can you imagine the impact Hill might be able to make?

A few kickoff return touchdowns — if you don't want him to catch it, have Raheem Mostert or De'Von Achane or Braxton Berrios catch it and toss it to him on a reverse — could be the difference between Miami making or not making the playoffs in the highly competitive AFC.

Hill is the most dangerous, electric, thrilling player in the NFL with the ball in his hands.

With these new kickoff rules — think of what you may have seen in the XFL, with players lined up closer to the returner, and not moving until the ball is caught — Hill can re-create some Devin Hester magic.

And, yes, the same goes for Jaylen Waddle.

Miami re-signed Braxton Berrios because he is a highly, highly capable return man.

But it's on special teams coordinator Danny Crossman, with Mike McDaniel's blessing, to at least mix in Hill, Waddle and/or Achane in the kick return game, too.

Dolphins fans say use Hill or Waddle on kickoff return

In a highly unscientific poll conducted by The Post on X, the former Twitter, 58% of voters said they agree Hill or Waddle should be used on 20 to 25% of kickoff returns.

That seems highly reasonable.

The Dolphins had only 18 kickoff returns all of last season. That's about to change.

Miami could conceivably have 60 kickoff returns or more next season.

Can we suggest Hill or Waddle be on the field for 17 of those — at least once per game?

Heck, yeah. Of course we can.

Will the opposing team try to blast it through the end zone when they see one of those players back there? Well, probably. But Miami would start its possession at the 30-yard line.

Not bad.

There were some other rules tweaks and announcements made in Orlando this week.

One announcement some folks aren't thrilled about it is that there will be two NFL games on Christmas Wednesday this year.

The television ratings will be massive, of course.

But many fans, players and coaches will hope their team isn't playing on Christmas.

Fans will watch but don't want their teams playing on Christmas

In another one of those unofficial polls on X, 72% of respondents said they hope their team is not playing on Christmas this season.

The kickoff rule is the most fascinating change the NFL has made, though.

They want more kickoff returns and they believe they're making it a much safer play.

Those times when Miami chooses to put Hill or Waddle back there on kickoff return this season?

That will be anything but safe for the kicking team.

And for Miami, any risk is absolutely worth the potential reward.

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: NFL kickoff rule change passes and Miami Dolphins Tyreek Hill should try it