New York Jets’ WR Stephen Hill: An Unfortunate Comparison

Sep 22, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver

(84) catches a pass against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Two years ago, the Jets chose Stephen Hill with their second round pick. It was a curious choice in a lot of circles. He showed a lot of physical tools in college, his speed, and his average per catch. He showed a lot during the combine, especially with his 40 yard dash speed (4.36 seconds). There certainly was a lot of excitement around the pick.

But there were questions. The fact was that at Georgia Tech, Stephen’s alma mater, he did not get to catch a lot of passes. They primarily ran the “Wishbone” style, which didn’t give Hill a lot of experience. There were players available such as Alshon Jeffrey, but don’t get me started there.

The Jets drafted Hill, and have high hopes for him.

The problem, however, is that he has trouble running routes, and catching the football. Clearly, these are skills that an NFL wide receiver must have. Hill has terrible hands, and catches the ball with his body. This has never been the method for a successful NFL wide receiver.

He started eight of eleven games in his rookie year, and 11 out of 12 games this past year before being shut down due to injury.

Take a look at his stats:

He has shown some flashes with a few long touchdowns, but not showing any consistency, any signs of becoming a complete wide receiver.

Unfortunately, this brings back some memories. If you don’t know this guy, ask your parents or an older Jets’ fan relative. They will remember, I promise.

In 1980, the Jets chose a player with the second overall pick in the draft, with a very limited career as a college player, but was a gold medal sprinter. Does any of this sound familiar?

Take a look at this guy’s first two seasons with the Jets:

Lam Jones

Aren’t these numbers unfortunately similar to Stephen’s? Who is this guy you ask? His name is……

Lam Jones was a player that came to New York with high expectations. Unfortunately, those expectations were not to be realized.

Johnny “Lam” Jones. Sorry to fans that remember him. But, it’s an unfortunate comparison that is legitimate.