[CBFF] DH: Hester, Bears agree his future brighter on defense

[Victor Waldron]

(This was in Friday's DH. I guess there's no longer a debate on
whether Hester will play O or D. He *will* return kicks, that's for
certain.

I wouldn't mind seeing him at CB this season even if his coverage
skills are raw.....he has the speed to makeup if needed. I just hope
he's a decent tackler to start off with.)

Hester, Bears agree his future brighter on defense

By Bob LeGere
Daily Herald Sports Writer
Posted Saturday, May 06, 2006

There are several personnel people around the league who believe it's
a mistake by the Bears not to play second-round draft pick Devin
Hester on offense.

At Miami, Hester was magic with the ball in his hands. In three
seasons, he returned 4 punts and 2 kickoffs for touchdowns.

Hester will have an opportunity to continue those roles with the
Bears. But, in addition to special teams, they drafted him to play
cornerback.

He did that at "The U," and he looked like a natural doing it Friday
at the first day of the Bears' three-day rookie minicamp at Halas
Hall.

He also played wide receiver and running back in addition to
cornerback. Considering he ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at Miami's pro day,
a lot of teams might be tempted to get him as many touches as
possible.

But the Bears and Hester believe his future is on defense, even if it
takes awhile to realize his potential.

"He's a guy who is raw at the position," said Bears defensive backs
coach Steven Wilks, "but he has outstanding speed and great upside. He
has all the tools you would want in a corner; they're just not
developed yet.

"We're going to put him in one spot and let him grow. He's a guy who
loves to work. He's going to give everything he has."

Hester said he has no position preference.

"I'm a football player," he said. "I really don't have a favorite
position. Anywhere the coaches put me, wherever they need me, that's
what I'm willing to do. I'm a team ballplayer and I'm just trying to
come out and contribute and try to win a Super Bowl."

Hester is confident that putting his vast talents into the hands of
Bears coaches will produce a quality NFL corner.

"We have great DB coaches," he said. "Just working with them, I feel
I'm going to be one of the most dominant corners in the league in a
couple years."