The New York Jets made a trade with the Seattle Seahawks in Round 2 to select WR Stephen Hill from Georgia Tech. Hill, 6'4", 215 lbs, is projected to be the deep threat that the Jets' offense has lacked since the departure of WR Braylon Edwards. He ran 40 yards in 4.36 seconds at the scouting combine and averaged almost 30 yards per reception in his last NCAA season. Hill caught 15 passes for 291 yards, 3 TD in 2010 and then broke through in 2011 with 28 receptions for 820 yards, 5 TD.
Although considered a pretty raw prospect, Hill impressed with his route running ability and blocking. He also never lost a fumble in his entire career.
The Jets traded up 4 spots to choose Hill and had to give up their 5th (#154 overall) and 7th round (#232 overall) draft picks.
Here's ProFootballWeekly evaluation of Stephen Hill:
Positives:
Outstanding length and growth potential — has a big, projectable frame, tapered build and long arms. Explosive athlete — lit up the Combine with rare timed speed, a 391⁄2-inch vertical leap and an 11-foot, 1-inch broad jump. Moves fluidly and covers ground with long strides. Tremendous leaping ability. Strong hands — can make difficult, athletic or one-handed grabs. Sucked up all the throws that came his way at the Combine and caught cleanly away from his body in the gauntlet drill. Adjusts to throws, has good body control and can box out defenders. Is a deep-ball threat and flashes playmaking ability. Agile enough to sidestep tacklers and does not go down easily. Asset in the run game — physical, aggressive blocker with size to seal cornerbacks outside. Has upside.
Negatives:
Needs to add bulk to his frame and get stronger. Was not asked to run a full route tree in a run-oriented, dive-option offense and it shows (unrefined route runner). Took advantage of single coverage in space. Will need to be coached up on precision route running — tends to drift and telegraph his actions — and coverage recognition. Slows to catch and lacks explosive stop-start ability after the catch. Concentration drops are too prevalent — questionable toughness. Forty-four percent of junior production was against Western Carolina, Middle Tennessee and Duke.
Summary:
Raw, athletic, inconsistent, outside-the-numbers deep threat with intriguing rare measurables and playmaking ability. Boom-or-bust candidate who will require patience, but has moldable physical ability and a high ceiling. Limited playing experience in a non-conventional offense. Could be considerably overdrafted on upside and is very much a gamble on greatness in a similar class as Chiefs 2011 first-rounder Jonathan Baldwin and Broncos 2010 first-round pick Demaryius Thomas.
Stephen Hill's highlights: