Overview: "Zoltan Mesko has a shot. He's the highest rated punter, but that's a seventh- or sixth-round [pick] at best. I would say that he goes undrafted, but it wouldn't surprise me if he went late to a team desperate for a punter. I would say it's more of a year where no punter will end up getting drafted."

-- ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.

Top 10 special-teamers

1. Zoltan Mesko, punter, Michigan, 6-foot4, 235 pounds: Came to United States from Romania at age 11. Speaks four languages. Averaged 44.5 yards on 52 punts last season.

2. Leigh Tiffin, kicker, Alabama, 6-0, 198: Helped lead the Crimson Tide to the national championship. Considered to be a clutch kicker.

3. Trindon Holliday, returner, LSU, 5-5, 162: Dazzled at the combine by running the 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds. He could add value as a slot receiver.

4. Aaron Pettrey, K, Ohio State, 6-1, 198: He made 14 of 20 field-goal attempts, including a long of 52 yards last season. Also handled kickoff duties for the Buckeyes.

5. Matt Dodge, P, East Carolina, 6-1, 223: He ranked second nationally in punting average, 45.8 yards per punt.

6. Brett Swenson, K, Michigan State, 5-8, 178: He finished his career as the Spartans' all-time leading scorer (377 points) and made 78 percent of his field goals over his career.

7. Brent Bowden, P, Virginia Tech, 6-3, 197: He was the ACC's leading punter last season, averaging 43.8 yards per punt. Also, served as the holder for two seasons.

8. Leroy Vann, R, Florida A & M, 5-8, 177: Electrifying returner with top-end speed. He returned eight punts and three kickoffs for touchdowns over his career.

9. Joshua Shene, K, Mississippi, 5-9, 170: He ranks second at Mississippi in career scoring (310), field goals (57) and field-goal attempts (75). He was the second Rebel all-time to lead the team in scoring all four season and first since Bryan Owen (1985-88).

10. Brandon James, R, Florida, 5-7, 183: The SEC's career leader in combined kickoff and punt-return yardage (4,089 yards).

Other NFL prospects: Robert Malone, P, Fresno State; Brandon Banks, R, Kansas State; Tim Brown, R, Rutgers; Clint Gresham, Long snapper, TCU

Five teams in need: Baltimore, Washington, Dallas, Jacksonville and Seattle

Five teams not interested: Houston, Denver, New York Giants, Chicago and Green Bay

Falcons' view: The Falcons are set at punter with Michael Koenen while Matt Bryant and Steve Hauschka will battle for the kicking duties. They appear to be comfortable with returners Jerious Norwood, Eric Weems and are hopeful that Harry Douglas recovers from knee surgery and reclaims his punt-returning job. Joe Zelenka will enter the season as the long snapper after the retirement of former Pro Bowler Mike Schneck.

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