NFL: Stephen Hill’s future with the New York Jets

Stephen Hill’s tenure with the Jets has certainly been interesting. The second round pick out of Georgia Tech came to the Jets in 2012, and immediately had fans excited after scoring two touchdowns in his very first regular season game in the league. Since then, Hill has been nothing but disappointing. There is reason to think that Hill may not be back with the Jets to start the 2014 season.

Three reasons why Hill could be gone

Well, he’s not my problem…

First off, Hill was drafted by a completely different regime; he was selected by GM Mike Tannenbaum. After Hill’s rookie year, Tannenbaum was fired and replaced with John Idzik. Idzik does not have any ties with Hill, so it is safe to say that he will not be kept simply because he is “Idzik’s Pick.” Actually, Hill wasn’t necessarily Rex’s pick either. After the draft, Hill didn’t receive too much praise from his head coach.

“Well, nothing told me he would (contribute),” Ryan told Banks. “Nothing. When I saw the tape (of his collegiate play) I was concerned. But (Jets general manager) Mike Tannenbaum and (senior personnel executive) Terry Bradway and all our scouts were adamant about this guy.” - CBS Sports

Rex would later side step and say that he was simply praising his personnel department for making such a great pick, but it certainly seems as though Rex didn’t love the idea of taking Hill in the second round.

Show me, don’t tell me

Second, Hill has not been very good in his first two years. His rookie season, he racked up 21 catches for 252 yards and 3 touchdowns. To put it into perspective further, in his last 10 games during his rookie year, he had 16 catches for 163 yards and just a single touchdown.

In Hill’s defence, it was just his rookie year, he had very inconsistent quarterback play, and he was still learning a new offense. In his second year, Hill had 24 catches for 342 yards and one touchdown, this time playing 12 games. He did not take the jump to the next level that we would like to see from year 1 to year 2. These stats are certainly not very good, even after taking into account that Hill’s quarterbacks have not been great in either of his first two seasons. When Hill entered the draft, he was scouted as being “raw.” At the same time, he was supposed to be the Jets’ long ball threat, and he hasn’t shown that he can play at a high enough level on a consistent basis to be guaranteed a spot on the roster.

The Jets traded up to draft Hill, and had high expectations for him. Hill was picked two spots ahead of Bears breakout performer, WR Alshon Jeffery.

Is it just me, or is it crowded in here?

Third, taking a look at the Jets’ wide receiver depth chart, it seems like Hill may be the odd man out. The Jets currently have Eric Decker, Jeremy Kerley, David Nelson, and now Jacoby Ford, who may be ahead of Hill. While some people think Hill should be over Nelson on the depth chart, Nelson did prove that he is reliable during this season. Although he may not be too scary to opposing defenses, Nelson was consistent and proved he could get the job done. He recorded 36 receptions for 423 yards, with 2 TDs.

The fact that the Jets signed Jacoby Ford might show even more so that the Jets don’t believe in Hill. Ford is similar to Hill, in the fact that he is most known for his speed, running a blazing 4.28, 40 yard dash.

With these five receivers currently fighting for spots on the roster, the Jets certainly are not done adding to their wide receiver corps. This years draft features a wealth of great receivers, including Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans, Marquise Lee, Odell Beckham Jr., and Brandin Cooks. The Jets may opt to add a receiver in the draft, sign a free agent, or swing a trade.

Although Hill was such a high pick just a few years ago, there is reason to believe that he is on his way out of New York sooner rather than later. He has certainly been disappointing ever since he was drafted, and the current regime doesn’t necessarily seem to love him. This is something to keep an eye on come training camp in August.