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Would you draft Devin Hester with the #3 pick?

I will offer you Devin Hester’s career for the next 10 years, the equivalent of 2006-2015. How high would you draft him?

By Jack M Silverstein
San Diego Chargers v Chicago Bears Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Here’s a thought exercise I’ve tossed around with friends, and even seen on Twitter from a friend of WCG:

Let’s say a University of Miami return specialist named Devin Hester is in the 2017 Draft. The Bears leadership doesn’t know what position he will play, and scouts don’t quite know how his game will translate to the NFL.

CBS Sports:

For teams looking for a bona fide return man, there might not be a better player on the draft board than Hester. But, if you are looking for more production on offense or defense, this will not be a perfect fit for that team.

Footballs Future:

With his lack of development there are concerns that he may only develop into a return specialist in the NFL. Even if that is his only role, Hester can impact the game.

HOWEVER.

Let’s say I were to tell you that this player named Devin Hester would have the exact same career as the Devin Hester who joined the Bears in 2006. Let’s say I sweeten the deal, telling you that his return game would be better in 2008 and 2009 if you don’t try to make him a #1 receiver, though you can still use him as a #3 or #4 receiver.

That’s right Bears fans: I’m giving you Devin Hester for the next 10 years, from 2017 to 2026, the equivalent of Hester’s run from 2006 through his 2nd season in Atlanta. You get three All Pro seasons and four Pro Bowl seasons at a minimum, but maybe more, since you’re not going to attempt to turn him into a #1 receiver.

Before you say, “There is no way I draft a return man at #3, I don’t care how good he is,” what if I told you that during their time together in Chicago, Matt Forte accounted for 22.1% of the Bears’ total yards, while Devin Hester accounted for 19.9% of the team’s total yards? (start at 9-minute mark)

Would that change the equation for you?

Curious to hear everyone’s thoughts. Vote here and chop it up in the comments below.

Poll

If I promised you Devin Hester’s career from 2006 to 2015, would you draft him for this Bears team with the #3 pick?

This poll is closed

  • 44%
    Yes
    (244 votes)
  • 55%
    No
    (308 votes)
552 votes total Vote Now

Poll

In 2006, the Bears drafted Devin Hester in the 2nd round, with the #57 overall pick. How high would you draft him?

This poll is closed

  • 14%
    Top 5
    (77 votes)
  • 9%
    Top 10
    (49 votes)
  • 13%
    Top 15
    (74 votes)
  • 26%
    Top 30
    (141 votes)
  • 23%
    Top 50
    (124 votes)
  • 12%
    Outside the Top 50
    (67 votes)
532 votes total Vote Now

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