Bears Thinking Of Expanding WR/KR Devin Hester's Role On Special Teams

Discussion in 'Chicago Bears' started by SRW, Apr 17, 2013.

  1. SRW

    SRW Ex-World's Worst Site Admin

    The interesting topic the Bears haven't tackled yet is roster management if Devin Hester is going to be a return specialist and used strictly on special teams.

    That would put the team in a position where four specialists were needed rather than the typical three. But coach Marc Trestman said Tuesday it is early and after Hester earns a roster spot as a returner, other possibilities will be considered.

    It's unusual for teams to have a return man not be listed deep on the depth chart elsewhere, such as a fifth wide receiver. For the second straight practice Wednesday, Hester was strictly on special teams, spending time working with coverage units as well.

    "The biggest thing about a great gunner sometimes is the guy who can get their fastest," special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis said. "We had a guy in Denver long time ago, he was an Olympic sprinter named Sam Graddy. Sam wasn't the best tackler in the world, but he sure caused a lot of fair catches. So hopefully we can expand (Hester's) role and see what happens.

    "He has been a great returner and we want to add to that as much as we can. He's definitely going to be fresher to (cover) and that's something we're evaluating right now."

    Source: Chicago Tribune
     
  2. DaBears22

    DaBears22 Matt Forte = future MVP Staff Member

    I'm all for Hester expanding his role in Trestman's offense, but his real value has always been KR/PR no?
     
  3. Tarkus

    Tarkus The Thread Stalker

    Hester as a gunner should be out simply cuz he'd never get off the line against 2 guys Hell bent on not letting it happen.

    Utilize him sparingly if at all, leaving him fresh for returns or just dump him. A fresh, focused Hester was giving punters fits & us great field position without him even touching the ball.

    Let's see if he's still got it...