Link: How Quickly Can Stephen Hill Step in?
While we now know that Darrelle Revis will be in the fold at the start of training camp, there’s still a number of questions that surround the team and will make for interesting storylines this summer and fall. Brian Costello of the NY Post makes note of a number of them. One of which is how quickly can Stephen Hill be ready to be a major part of this offese?
The Jets have several intriguing rookies this year, but Hill tops the list. The Jets are counting on him to win the No. 2 receiver job and provide a deep threat opposite Santonio Holmes.
The Jets love Hill’s size and speed, but hamstring issues limited him during OTAs and minicamp. The Jets need him healthy and on the field picking up the offense. Hill played in an option offense in college. He needs as many reps as possible during training camp to learn how to be an NFL receiver.
Hill is an interesting and raw prospect. We’ll see what happens this summer, but my thought is that the Jets want Hill to be their second wideout if at all possible. He’s an extremely talented athlete but it remains to be seen whether that raw athleticism can translate into production for the Jets. The WR2 spot is his for the taking, but he’s going to need to use as much time as possible getting comfortable with the offense and with Sanchez as possible.
Don’t sleep on Jeremy Kerley though and how his presence might ease Hill jumping into the starting job. Kerley came on quickly for the Jets in 2011 and will be more well-versed in what the NFL game is like at this point and could be more versatile. Kerley could play some in two receivers sets and then move in to play the slot receiver when they go three-wide. Of course Kerley’s physical size and speed won’t command the same attention, which is why Hill playing the #2 would be the best answer.

comments: