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Hester as Starting WR next year?


adam

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http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?STORY_ID=4215

 

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Given the progress that Devin Hester has made on offense this season, don’t be surprised if the Bears’ electrifying return specialist challenges for a starting wide receiver position in 2008.

 

“He has that kind of ability,” said receivers coach Darryl Drake. “He has that kind of upside. We’ll be working towards allowing him to have the opportunity to do that.”

 

Hester has emerged in recent weeks on offense, catching nine passes for 95 yards in the Bears’ last two games after compiling nine receptions for 139 yards in the first 12 contests.

 

“He’s taken some of those steps [toward] becoming maybe a full-time guy where we’re talking about Devin Hester the receiver rather than Devin Hester the Pro Bowl kick returner,” said coach Lovie Smith. “He’s made big strides to becoming a better receiver.

 

“In time, that’s what I see him being. I see him being an every down wide receiver and doing the same type of special things once he gets his hands on the football as a receiver.”

 

After being selected to his second straight Pro Bowl as a return specialist earlier this week, Hester admitted that he has thought about one day making the all-star game as a receiver.

 

“I think I’m gradually getting better,” said Hester, a 2006 second-round draft pick from Miami. “I don’t feel I’m a complete receiver right now. [but] I feel I’m improving with each game.”

 

Drake agrees with that assertion and also believes that Hester has gotten a bum rap from some outsiders who believe that the second-year pro has been slow to learn the offense.

 

The receivers coach points to a pass play a few weeks ago when Hester ran the correct route, but it appeared he wasn’t on the same page as the quarterback because of where the ball was thrown.

 

“Sometimes he’s been unfairly tagged as not knowing what to do in certain situations, and it hasn’t been his fault,” Drake said.

 

Possibly leverage against Berrian?

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If it does happen, I hope it does not affect his return game.

 

He's a guy they have to get the ball to more. He's so damn explosive and knows what to do after he has the ball that he has to start. He is just raw right now and hopefully the next OC can bring his development along.

As far as returns, no one is going to kick to him anyway until we have an O that can make them pay.

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He's a guy they have to get the ball to more. He's so damn explosive and knows what to do after he has the ball that he has to start. He is just raw right now and hopefully the next OC can bring his development along.

As far as returns, no one is going to kick to him anyway until we have an O that can make them pay.

 

If they bring in a New OC then it has to be quick he needs to all the time he can get to digest the new playbook.

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He's a guy they have to get the ball to more. He's so damn explosive and knows what to do after he has the ball that he has to start. He is just raw right now and hopefully the next OC can bring his development along.

As far as returns, no one is going to kick to him anyway until we have an O that can make them pay.

 

Getting him the ball more sounds great in theory, but how the hell do we do that effectively??? Everytime we run a reverse, or a quick one yard pass, he's erased immediately. Everytime the play calls for him to go down-field he appears to have his helmet on back-wards.

 

Not to mention that the last few games he's been on the field more, and his return ability appears to have suffered. This reminds me of last season when he was starting at CB and if hurt his return game.

 

He's a great 3rd receiver because he's a weapon. Asking anything more then that hurts his return ability.

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He's a great 3rd receiver because he's a weapon. Asking anything more then that hurts his return ability.

 

You may be right Bradjock. Hester is not the second coming of Red Grange. He's probably the best return guy so far to play football. And perhaps I'm laying too much on him to expect that he can transfer what he does on returns to the rgular O. He has a long way to go to learn routes, positioning, blocking, etc., that goes into making a solid WR.

Realistically, then, writie him in as our no. 3 WR next season, try to sign Berrian, drop moose and draft or bring in a FA guy.

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I don't see that comparison at all to be honest...

 

I think Hester is best suited to be the slot man.

I was pretty sure you wouldnt see it considering you think Benson and Berrian are top flight offensive talents but if Hester can improve on his route running, field awareness and learn the playbook he can be used the same way Berrian is. Just because you think Berrian is our best offensive weapon doesnt mean he is that good. Put him on almost any other team and hes a 2nd or 3rd receiver talent wise. His only upside is stretching the field which is something Hester can do.

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Getting him the ball more sounds great in theory, but how the hell do we do that effectively??? Everytime we run a reverse, or a quick one yard pass, he's erased immediately. Everytime the play calls for him to go down-field he appears to have his helmet on back-wards.

 

Hester made some crucial catches in one of Griese's late game drives and made some nice (not necessarily difficult) catches in the last game.

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I think adding Hester as a starting receiver would definitely make the defenses pay more attention to the offense versus keying on Devin every time he is brought in. If Devin is starting then the defense really does not know where the rock is going and if our QB who ever it is hits Devin in the open field, the defense is going to be scrambling to catch up to him. It sounds like a great idea and they just need to work harder in Devin's conversion process from DB to WR. I just hope that there is a better OC for this team next year.

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I have to agree with Bradjock. Hester is a great talent, and is best suited as a return man who moonlights as a #3 receiver, with his responsibilities being stretching the field and creating matchup problems.

I agree do you think he could be our version of Wes Welker. Granted Welker runs better routes but instead of getting him the ball on screens and reverses why not move him in the slot and have him go across the field. Try and make him a first down machine and mixmatch him against safeties. I just feel if Turner doesnt have some imagination he needs to be let go we have to many weapons and we need to utilize them. Sean Payton and Jason Garret these guys are known for being creative with the offense we need someone like that.

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