How far will Hester's athleticism take him?

[Rush23]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/186224-how-far-will-hesters-athleticism-take-him

Article I wrote on Devin Hester and his role as a Wide Receiver. What are your thoughts? Do you think with time he can become a solid WR for the Bears? He definitely has shown progress considering he barely played WR in college outside of "reverses" and "gadget plays".

Feedback is appreciated

[dimbee]

While I'm obviously biased, I think for Devin the sky is the limit.

[Johnny Rockets]

I think a big part of this equation that wasn't mentioned (Unless I missed it) is Jay Cutler. Cutler should be feeding Hester this year like Kirstie Alley at a buffet table. I could be wrong but I think Hester will shine this year and be a legit #1 or close to it. He has the talent.

[thefuzz]

Very good slot WR, maybe, not real sure, have not watched a ton of game film on him.

[Jangler]

He ain't no Steve Smith.

[Epistaxis]

My take on Hester?

He might become a decent #2, perhaps a slot receiver, but he does not possess the instincts of a true #1.

Athletic ability alone does not a #1 make.

IMO the Bears took a once in a lifetime talent at KR and PR and made him in to a mediocre WR, out of necessity, since they could not draft a WR and chose not to go that route in FA.

Hester is a bit challenged in the thinking aspect of football, which I believe is shown by his amazing instincts returning the football.

Once he is required to read and react and otherwise play the team game, he often fails. Witness his failures in college at both WR and DB.

Witness the same sort of failings at the pro level.

The flashes he shows are based completely on his physical gifts, not any understanding of where he needs to be. Also, you often see him getting hit in the head with the football, overrunning plays, getting caught on the jam, etc.

It makes me sad to think that an extraordinary talent in one phase of the game has been sacrificed for another phase, a result of poor planning by the higher-ups.

Just my opinion.

[dexterpyro]

IMO he could be a servicable option....but he probaly wont run routes well but can get open downfield on fly routes. its up to the coaches to use him to his strengths and cover his weaknesses....if they use him as a gadget player thats all he will be

IMO, he is similar to Reggie Bush has great athleticism but not easy to find the perfect uses for him....

[Johnny Rockets]

So what round should I draft him in fantasy football this year?

[dimbee]

IMO, it's impossible to judge him upon 1 season as a full time NFL WR. As to the contention of his failures at WR/DB in college.... I mean, come on, if the guy is getting flip-flopped from WR to DB to KR and back again, how is he supposed to develop as anything? Given that he is and has been practicing at WR for over the past year and through camps, I don't think it's unheard of to see further development from his this season. Time will tell. It should also help to have a stud QB throwing to him and not the constant flip-flop at QB.

Just call me the Yin to Epi's Yan

[Falcons1stPanthers2nd]

I think he'll be an awesome #3 target. Which isn't a bad thing.

[mantal]

I think he'll be an awesome #3 target. Which isn't a bad thing.

But meanwhile, as Epi said, they're missing out on a helluva Returner on kick offs and punts...

[dimbee]

He still does punt returns, and Danieal Manning is hardly a slouch at KR as he led the league in return yards last season

[R0CKnR0LLA]

He still does punt returns

How long do you think that will last though?

[Darth Hater]

They've ruined him I tell ya....ruined him!