When the Chicago Bears hired Jon Hoke, the fit was obvious. The veteran defensive backs coach has a long history of working in the Tampa-2 scheme, having done so with Lovie Smith both in Chicago and Tampa Bay. He knows how to coach players on how to execute within the system, from making tackles to forcing takeaways. That is what Matt Eberflus wanted. However, his experience isn’t the only benefit the Bears are getting with his arrival. It goes much deeper than that.
Greg Gabriel was a scout for the organization throughout the 2000s and into the early 2010s. He worked alongside Hoke for four seasons. During that time, he came to realize something. Hoke wasn’t just a solid coach. He also had a remarkably sharp eye for talent. Gabriel revealed this on the Barroom Network.
Looking into his background, there is truth to what Gabriel says. Here are some names teams ended up drafting when Hoke was a member of their organization.
- Dunta Robinson
- D.J. Moore (not that one)
- Major Wright
- Chris Conte
- Kyle Fuller
- Carlton Davis
- Jordan Whitehead
- Richie Grant
Hoke also had a keen eye for the undrafted market too. He got the Houston Texans to sign Tramon Williams in 2006. Unfortunately, they cut him and he became a Pro Bowler in Green Bay. So there is plenty of truth to this statement.
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Jon Hoke can help the Bears find value in later rounds.
It is unlikely they use any of their earlier draft picks on cornerbacks or safeties. Poles will wait until the 3rd round at the earliest to address one of those positions. More likely the 4th or later. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Hoke proved throughout his long NFL tenure that he can find value deep into drafts. Of the names listed above, Moore, Wright, Conte, and Whitehead were all taken in the 3rd or later. Williams was undrafted. While he may not find a star, Hoke can find somebody capable of being at least a solid backup.
This feeds into what the Bears have tried to build from the outset. Poles said his goal was to merge the front office and coaching staff together into one cohesive unit. He wants both to be involved in the scouting process. His experience in Kansas City taught him this is the best way to find not only good players but the right ones. Jon Hoke is a perfect fit for that structure. Another sign that the hire went beyond merely scheme experience.
Gator Joe —
Don’t worry — It’ll pass.
Holy crap! I agree with Thomas Gena. If, somehow, he’s there Poles will nab him or get plenty of trade down offers.
Big Mark —
Devon Witherspoon would be a great selection for the Bears at #9 — but he’ll be gone, by then.
all those players were bums
I would only be a little surprised if Hoke convinced Poles to draft CB Devon Witherspoon at #9. I have watched almost all Illinois FB games being an alumnus. He is a flat-out baller. I would still prefer OT, DE, or DT (not Carter) in order, but would not be unhappy if Witherspoon gets picked.