Chicago Bears: Top 10 draft picks in franchise history

9. Devin Hester, Returner: Second Round, No. 57 Overall, 2006

The Chicago Bears made a surprising call when they drafted Devin Hester in the 2nd round. He was a cornerback for the Miami Hurricanes but was average at best. There was a question if he’d be a good cornerback at the higher level. The Bears also put Hester in as a returner and history was made.

It was Sept. 10, 2006. The Bears’ first game of the season against their bitter rivals, the Green Bay Packers. Hester returned a punt 84 yards for a touchdown. He went on to return three more punts and two kickoff returns for touchdowns. The Bears made it to the Super Bowl in Miami and Hester returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown in front of the home crowd.

For his career, Hester returned 14 punts, five kickoff returns and one field goal return for touchdowns. His 20 touchdown returns are an NFL record. He was electricity personified. When the offense was sluggish, Hester got a touchdown to wake it up. When he got on the field for a return people expected an incredible play, and many times he obliged. He played a little cornerback and some wide receiver, but he never played those positions as great as he was a returner. He set the bar for returners and may be one of the few special teams players in the Hall of Fame.

For his career, Hester was a four-time Pro Bowler, a three-time first team and a one-time second-team All-Pro. Also, he was a member of the 2000s All-Decade team. I think this was a good pick.