Martz says Hester could be 'stupid good' in slot

Mike Martz envisions Devin Hester as a dominant slot receiver, a shift that could mean he will be coming out of the Bears' starting lineup.

The Bears' new offensive coordinator, who started on the job Monday at Halas Hall, could utilize a three-receiver set, which would mean ample opportunities for Hester to start. But Martz compared him favorably to Az-Zahir Hakim while visiting on "The Mully & Hanley Show" on WSCR-AM 670.

Hakim was a role player for the St. Louis Rams in the heyday of the "Greatest Show on Turf," making 10 starts over four seasons. But he was a dangerous weapon and caught eight touchdown passes one season as Martz schemed to take advantage of him in mismatches, much the same way he spoke of Hester.

"Devin Hester in that role could just be stupid good, if that makes sense to you," Martz said. "What we can do with him inside, the matchups we can get with him on third corners, safeties and linebackers would be absolutely remarkable."

Martz is cognizant of Hester's role on special teams and the value that he brings to the team as a returner and sees a way for him to excel in all areas.

"I think it would be very difficult for him to take every snap as a wide receiver and play at a high level on special teams, so we have to look at that," Martz said. "I think the role I have in mind for him would allow him to do both and do it at a high level."

This goes against what Lovie Smith has said for a few years, that Hester could be a No. 1 wide receiver. Part of the disappointment some have expressed over his performance on offense has been the result of the unrealistic expectations placed on him. Furthermore, critics claim he hasn't been in a position to maximize his talent. Leave him in the slot and his speed, quickness and open-field ability could come to the forefront.

Here's a look at Hakim's statistics with the Rams and what Hester has done with the Bears:

Az-Zahir Hakim

1998: 9 games 4 starts 20 catches 247 yards 12.4 avg 1 TD
1999: 13-0 36 677 18.8 8
2000: 16-4 53 734 13.8 4
2001: 16-2 39 374 9.6 3

Devin Hester

2007: 16-0 20 299 15.0 2
2008: 15-8 51 665 13.0 3
2009: 13-12 57 757 13.3 3

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(chicagobreakingsports.com)