Creating a Team USA Olympics football roster using NFL athletes

12. Specialists

Kicker: Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots

Close call here between Stephen Gostkowski and Justin Tucker, but the Patriots’ kicker gets the slight edge for being a more consistent player. Also, Gostkowski has plenty of big-game experience that would certainly come in to play for the big-time feel of the Olympics.

Punter: Johnny Hekker, Los Angeles Rams

With Brady and company on the field, I do not think this Team USA offense will have much use for a punter. That being said, Johnny Hekker is currently the best in the business and would be a fantastic choice for the team.

Return Specialist: Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks

As a rookie with the Seattle Seahawks last season, Tyler Lockett became one of the most explosive and dynamic players in all of football. He is still looking to become more of an impact player on offense, but Lockett is already the best returner in the NFL.

A guy who can take a kick and return it to the house from anywhere, Lockett is the obvious choice to be the return specialist for Team USA.

Special Teamer: Justin Bethel, Arizona Cardinals

A tough call here between Justin Bethel of the Cardinals and Matthew Slater of the Patriots. Slater has had a long career as a core special teams player for the Patriots, but Bethel is a freak athlete who has taken over for Slater as the best special teamer in the NFL.

I am taking the younger and more athletic Bethel as opposed to the veteran Slater here.

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