Devin Hester

[Sweetness_34 0]

Sure there are some missed tackles, but the guy's speed is amazing

 

[devildog 0]

Damn, Duke sucks.

[MikeyFL 0]

Hester is good and all... but the futility of Duke really made me laugh in the clip.

[DrJ 0]

Antrel Rolle claims he's the best athlete ever to come through Miami:

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=ncf&id=1905438

 

His mentor, Deion Sanders, says this:

 

"He can do anything," Deion Sanders, the Baltimore Ravens defensive back who's become a close friend and mentor of sorts to Hester, said earlier this fall. "He's a big-play guy. And guys like him need to be on the field and have the ball in their hands as much as they can get it".

 

Sounds to me like this guy can justify his draft status if all he ever does is return kicks...

[Sweetness_34 0]

Antrel Rolle claims he's the best athlete ever to come through Miami:

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=ncf&id=1905438

 

His mentor, Deion Sanders, says this:

 

"He can do anything," Deion Sanders, the Baltimore Ravens defensive back who's become a close friend and mentor of sorts to Hester, said earlier this fall. "He's a big-play guy. And guys like him need to be on the field and have the ball in their hands as much as they can get it".

 

Sounds to me like this guy can justify his draft status if all he ever does is return kicks...

 

We have our Desmond Howard .....time for the superbowl

[Second Place Don't Pay 0]

We have our Desmond Howard .....time for the superbowl

 

Ah, the Packer glory days...

 

In the "Potential Draft Steals" thread, I said that Hester would make whatever team got him very happy...and now, since he's in the Packers' division, it makes me unhappy. I think he's a fantastic athletic talent and a threat to score every time he gets a little daylight.

[Agamemnon 2]

I don't remember exactly which game it was very late in the season (FSU possibly), but Larry Coker decided to "feature" Devin Hester. Hester responded by doing jack sh1t in his "feature role" as Miami got absolutely crushed. He's an over-rated creation of the Miami hype machine, which of course accounts for how such a "phenominal talent" lasted as long as he did in the draft. Funny Bears; wasn't there a Tuskegee Institute kick returner to be drafted who could room with their Abilene Christian stud?

[DrJ 0]

I don't remember exactly which game it was very late in the season (FSU possibly), but Larry Coker decided to "feature" Devin Hester. Hester responded by doing jack sh1t in his "feature role" as Miami got absolutely crushed. He's an over-rated creation of the Miami hype machine, which of course accounts for how such a "phenominal talent" lasted as long as he did in the draft. Funny Bears; wasn't there a Tuskegee Institute kick returner to be drafted who could room with their Abilene Christian stud?

 

It would be helpful if you explained what you mean by "feature role"

 

The guy had 24 carries and 10 receptions in his entire collegiate career and never got more than 7 carries in any game.

[Portis26 0]

Damn, Duke sucks.

 

 

[Agamemnon 2]

It would be helpful if you explained what you mean by "feature role"

 

The guy had 24 carries and 10 receptions in his entire collegiate career and never got more than 7 carries in any game.

 

It was the bowl game against LSU; in the days leading up to the game Coker indicated he was going to give Hester a prominent role in the game (or so the broadcasters said), ie - many carries and opportunities to catch passes. This was his career high in carries (the seven you mentioned) but he only caught two passes as Miami got crushed. It wasn't a very impressive showing....

[Ace08 11]

Overrated Miami hype machine?

 

I've been on this site for a good while...and that is EASILY the most retarded, ignorant statement I've ever read on this board. Look at the talents Miami has produced over the last 10, 15, or even 20 years. Miami doesn't just produce great college players.....their players actually go on and do VERY well in the pros. There isn't a school in the nation that has been more consistent or prolific producing quality NFL players during the last 2 decades.

 

With that said...I can tell you from having watched this kid alot that he's got skills you just can't teach. I'm not just talking about the obvious either...like speed....I mean change of direction and vision in the open field. People don't realize that the only reason this guy didn't return MORE kicks for TD's was because teams would never kick to him. On punts they'd simply kick it out of bounds and on kick-offs Miami would get steady doses of short kicks to one of the up-men. He'll be one of the best returners in the NFL within his first 2 years simply cause it's the NFL and he'll get more opportunities to field returnable kicks.

 

As far as position goes....I think he'll eventually end up being either a slot receiver or a scat/third down back. I liken his skills most to an Eric Metcalf (blast from the past there)....only with more speed. He's got good size for a corner and definitely has the speed and hands to be a playmaker in the secondary....but I think coaches will realize he's better WITH the ball in his hands as opposed to trying to take it away from someone.

 

 

 

And by the way....

 

The "feature role" game some of you are referring to was the Peach Bowl disaster vs LSU. Hester actually made a couple of nice catches in that game early and contributed to Miami's initial drive of that game...which ended in a field goal. The rest of the game Miami's QB, Kyle Wright, was under constant pressure and didn't even have time to scratch his nose much less throw. Miami's O-Line last year was horrible and the coaching/playcalling was atrocious. It isn't fair to judge Hester's talents (or other future first round picks on the team like tight End Greg Olson or running back Tyrone Moss) on the success/failure of Miami's offense last year. The entire offensive coaching staff was fired and Miami starts 5 new guys on the offensive line this year....just to give you an idea of what happened subsequent to that game.

[Agamemnon 2]

Overrated Miami hype machine?

 

I've been on this site for a good while...and that is EASILY the most retarded, ignorant statement I've ever read on this board. Look at the talents Miami has produced over the last 10, 15, or even 20 years. Miami doesn't just produce great college players.....their players actually go on and do VERY well in the pros. There isn't a school in the nation that has been more consistent or prolific producing quality NFL players during the last 2 decades.

 

I would agree with you if I had said it the way you wrote it; fortunately I did not! I agree with you that Miami has been one of, if not THE, top producer(s) of NFL talent from the college ranks. As they have been for quite some time, their players are naturally "hyped". It is my opinion that Hesters skills are hyped beyond what they should be, and he's benefited greatly from the reputation of the program which spawned him.

 

In short; I believe Miami is one of the top college programs in the land, but Hester is over-rated! While I don't like being called ignorant and retarded, I'm not going to engage in an argument on syntax or sentence structure! Have a great day (and Hester will never be a top NFL punt returner!).

[Sweetness_34 0]

Overrated Miami hype machine?

 

I've been on this site for a good while...and that is EASILY the most retarded, ignorant statement I've ever read on this board. Look at the talents Miami has produced over the last 10, 15, or even 20 years. Miami doesn't just produce great college players.....their players actually go on and do VERY well in the pros. There isn't a school in the nation that has been more consistent or prolific producing quality NFL players during the last 2 decades.

 

With that said...I can tell you from having watched this kid alot that he's got skills you just can't teach. I'm not just talking about the obvious either...like speed....I mean change of direction and vision in the open field. People don't realize that the only reason this guy didn't return MORE kicks for TD's was because teams would never kick to him. On punts they'd simply kick it out of bounds and on kick-offs Miami would get steady doses of short kicks to one of the up-men. He'll be one of the best returners in the NFL within his first 2 years simply cause it's the NFL and he'll get more opportunities to field returnable kicks.

 

As far as position goes....I think he'll eventually end up being either a slot receiver or a scat/third down back. I liken his skills most to an Eric Metcalf (blast from the past there)....only with more speed. He's got good size for a corner and definitely has the speed and hands to be a playmaker in the secondary....but I think coaches will realize he's better WITH the ball in his hands as opposed to trying to take it away from someone.

And by the way....

 

The "feature role" game some of you are referring to was the Peach Bowl disaster vs LSU. Hester actually made a couple of nice catches in that game early and contributed to Miami's initial drive of that game...which ended in a field goal. The rest of the game Miami's QB, Kyle Wright, was under constant pressure and didn't even have time to scratch his nose much less throw. Miami's O-Line last year was horrible and the coaching/playcalling was atrocious. It isn't fair to judge Hester's talents (or other future first round picks on the team like tight End Greg Olson or running back Tyrone Moss) on the success/failure of Miami's offense last year. The entire offensive coaching staff was fired and Miami starts 5 new guys on the offensive line this year....just to give you an idea of what happened subsequent to that game.

 

[Zackattack 0]

I wish he was a dolphin. The guy is fast as h*ll and has talent.

[CurleyQ 0]

As a pretty loyal Bears fan and certainly not a football scout, I was very disappointed in the draft. What is most aggravating is the arrogance of the Bears management team. They gave us the same load of hooey when they were preparing for the Carolina playoff game. When reporters asked about defending Steve Smith they replied that they held him in check in the regular season game, so they would defend him the same way. I guess 10 + catches for 150 yards or so is "holding someone". They must have expected Alex Brown to treat that offensive tackle like a revolving door again and that Delhomme would have another poor game and carolina would make no adjustments.

 

They drafted with the same arrogance. The Manning kid and Hester kid have some talent, but are they the right guys for our team...now? Hester does not even have a position. I can't remember the last time somebody used a 2nd round pick on a kick returner.

 

I just hope the season does not come down to being weak on the offensive line or short on talented WRs. They had the opportunity to upgrade several offensive positions and they did next to nothing.

 

I hope I am wrong.

[Agamemnon 2]

Since you guys are just killing me for my negative indictment of Devin Hester, I thought I'd go out and find a scouting report. Here are some excerpts which support my position :

 

Hamstring problems and subpar play saw Hester bounce from cornerback to wide receiver to tailback in 2005, as the coaching staff struggled to find him a home. He only made 11 solo tackles with an interception on defense, adding 94 yards on 15 carries and 55 yards on five receptions on offense. His return duties also suffered because of nagging injuries, as he gained 312 yards on 22 punt returns (14.2 avg) with a touchdown and averaged 16.1 yards on seven kickoff returns. In 32 games with the Hurricanes, Hester started six times.

 

Negatives: Lacks route awareness, as he fails to uncover...Struggles to escape press coverage due to a lack of strength and marginal hand usage...Has marginal courage going for the pass in traffic (plays small), generally losing focus on the ball when he "hears the feet" of defenders closing on him...Poor route-runner who rounds his cuts and gathers at times...Has not really learned how to use his quickness to pop out of cuts to get separation...When not involved in the play, he is quick to throttle down...Shows little desire to face up as a blocker in pass protection (just hangs on and gets rejected too often)...Good leaper, but appears hesitant in attempts to combat for the ball...As a defender, he shows poor tackle technique, attacking at the ankles rather than wrapping up...Relies too much on his speed to recover, allowing too much of a cushion...Has marginal vision, as he bites constantly on play action and misdirection...Seems to get lost trying to locate the ball...Not the type that will come up with aggression when asked to play inside the box...Turns late and will bite and get out of position in man coverage... Struggles to come out of his breaks cleanly as a defensive back (will stumble at times and double step)...Struggled with academics and needs to show better work ethic.

 

 

To be fair, here's the entire Fox Sports Scouting Report on Devin Hester:

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/draft/prospec...ntentId=5526534

[Ace08 11]

What does a scouting report prove other than there just happens to be one other guy who has an incorrect opinion on the guy? While you're at it...why don't you pull up the pre-draft scouting reports for Tom Brady, Steve Smith, Jerry Rice, or any of the other numerous NFL superstars who were mis-evaluated on draft day. Scouts are human and in many cases they don't follow the teams/players as closely enough to have an accurate opinion.

 

You're scouting report doesn't tell you that Miami is currently mired in one of the most horrible coaching regimes in the history of the program. Larry Coker is a horrible coach and has misused several talented players over the last several years. Coker shuffled this kid from position to position depending on where the team happened to lack depth in that particular year....the end result was that Hester never received significant coaching at any one position. He not only played running back, receiver and corner...but was also used at safety his sophomore year (incidentally....he led the team in interceptions that year while only playing sporadically on defense).

 

The kid is extremely talented....the key will be deciding early whether they want to use him as a DB or receiver and just LEAVE HIM THERE.

 

And lastly......I can tell you don't know a thing about Hester if you don't think he'll AT WORST be an excellent returner. He was better than most of the NFL kick/punt returners LAST YEAR while he was still in college. Simply put...he's the most amazing special teams returner I've ever seen. And we've had some EXCELLENT ones over the years at Miami...including Kevin Williams and Santana Moss....neither of them could compare to this kid as a returner.

[Agamemnon 2]

What does a scouting report prove other than there just happens to be one other guy who has an incorrect opinion on the guy? While you're at it...why don't you pull up the pre-draft scouting reports for Tom Brady, Steve Smith, Jerry Rice, or any of the other numerous NFL superstars who were mis-evaluated on draft day. Scouts are human and in many cases they don't follow the teams/players as closely enough to have an accurate opinion.

 

You're now comparing the chronic underachieving Devin Hester, he of six starts his entire career at Miami, to Tom Brady, Steve Smith & Jerry Rice. I've been around FFToday a long time, and this may be the most ignorant, retarded statement I've ever read! I also like how you infer you know more than an NFL Scout. Hey Ace, the worst Scout on an NFL payroll has forgotten more about football skills than you'll ever know.

 

Only time will tell as to whether Hester is the impact player you believe or the over-rated slug I'm predicting. Good luck!

[Ace08 11]

Dude...

 

Either you can't read very well or you're missing my point in it's entirety. I'm not comparing DEVIN HESTER THE PLAYER to any of those players. It was an exercise to prove a point....Scouts make mistakes all the time due to human error.

 

Go home...read it again.....S L O W L Y....and maybe you'll begin to understand.

 

Slug? Where the heck are you from? Pleasantville?

[Walter34 3]

I'm hoping Ace08 is correct on this one and that Aggy's head is up his ass.

[t.j 35]

It was an exercise to prove a point....Scouts make mistakes all the time due to human error.

 

Jerry Rice was not evaluated badly. He was picked higher in the 1985 draft than any WR was in this year's draft. Not a bad showing of respect for a guy from Mississippi Valley State. Also, Steve Smith suffered a broken neck prior to getting into the NFL, and teams were understandably concerned about him from a medical standpoint. It's not like the scouts thought these guys couldn't play.

[Agamemnon 2]

Dude...

 

Either you can't read very well or you're missing my point in it's entirety. I'm not comparing DEVIN HESTER THE PLAYER to any of those players. It was an exercise to prove a point....Scouts make mistakes all the time due to human error.

 

Go home...read it again.....S L O W L Y....and maybe you'll begin to understand.

 

Slug? Where the heck are you from? Pleasantville?

 

Dude - I guess you're unable to recognize sarcasm. I misrepresented your point on purpose, just like you took my words out of context (I never called Miami an over-rated hype machine) right before you called me ignorant. I thought you might "get it" when I used your exact insult phrase, but you've been rather dim from the beginning.

 

Even so, I continue to try and bring this thread back to it's topic, namely Devin Hester. I don't think he's "all that" based on a couple of games I saw him play (Florida, FSU, LSU). I added a professional scout's critique, yet all you can come up with is personal insults. Grow up.

 

Walt - you never know - I could be all wet; you've certainly never held back your opinion on Packer players and I've never suggested you had your head up your arse. Play nice already...

[MahSoonerz 0]

Damn, Duke sucks.

 

 

 

 

 

Yeah, we have to have the absolute worst 1A football team in the country. You could play Miami's walk ons at Wallace Wade and the score would probably be the same. And I speak as a proud (if occasional) season ticket holder. Dear God we stink.

[Walter34 3]

Dude - I guess you're unable to recognize sarcasm. I misrepresented your point on purpose, just like you took my words out of context (I never called Miami an over-rated hype machine) right before you called me ignorant. I thought you might "get it" when I used your exact insult phrase, but you've been rather dim from the beginning.

 

Even so, I continue to try and bring this thread back to it's topic, namely Devin Hester. I don't think he's "all that" based on a couple of games I saw him play (Florida, FSU, LSU). I added a professional scout's critique, yet all you can come up with is personal insults. Grow up.

 

Walt - you never know - I could be all wet; you've certainly never held back your opinion on Packer players and I've never suggested you had your head up your arse. Play nice already...

 

I was just kidding man - chill. You may be right, but I obviously hope not.

[Riddlen 1]

He was a huge reach in the 2nd and grades out as an athlete without a real position. There are tons of these guys that come and go every year.

[swamp dog 0]

interesting. the bears went away from drafting football players to track stars this year--and players either having completed court-appointed anger management courses or about to enter one for beating up patrons at denny's. that's a rather sharp departure in philosophy for them. lovie obviously has no say anymore.

 

if speed and only speed kills nfl gms and scouts would exclusively scout track and field meets.

 

the bears draft this year was utterly horrible.

 

He was a huge reach in the 2nd and grades out as an athlete without a real position. There are tons of these guys that come and go every year.