http://m.nydailynews.com/sports/foo...hill-battle-remain-jet-article-1.1828046#bmb= “What would be unfair is if he didn’t get a fair shot (during training camp),” Lal said. “If he gets a fair shot and then there’s clearly six guys better than him, then can you say he should get another shot (with the Jets)?” Lal didn’t definitively say whether he believes that Hill can have a productive career with the Jets or any other team. “I’m unsure,” Lal said. “Because of the health.” Pretty interesting article I came across... Definitely a greater risk that Hill doesn't make the roster than some people probably appreciate if he doesn't show well this camp. I'm just glad we have so many hungry guys fighting for a few spots after Decker, Kerley, Evans and Saunders.
I agree with the gist of this article. I'm still very hopefully about Hill, but I also admit that this is his last chance with the Jets. He has to show in camp and then he has to produce in the season to have some stock again. I still think he has untapped upside, but if he doesn't produce then it is over. I have argued that he deserved a shot this year to produce. Well, he is getting a shot this TC. That's all I can ask.
Hill is probably front runner for the #2 spot right now. It's still way too early to tell, but calling him a bust after 2 years learning 2 different systems with 2 different QBs, including an inexperienced rookie, is silly.
He has shown flashes of being a good player, and he is only 23 years old. If he stays healthy, I think he can be a productive #2 receiver. Definitely not a bust yet.
I've been scrutinized over the years for this opinion, but I really believe there is a segment of SOJF's who WANT Jet players to bust. I'm not really sure how that benefits the team or if it's a self hating thing..but I believe that sentiment exists. Heck I remember Brick,Cotchery,Lamont Jordan,Pouha,Kareem Mckenzie, hell even Revis all being called busts early on in thier careers. It's pretty shameful actually. If we're a truly knowledgeable fan base that understands the game(which we claim to be) we should understand that most young players take time. Some "get off" on predicting that a player isn't gonna work out before anyone else does. As if crowning a player a "Bust" at the first sign of struggles(sometimes as early as their first TC) is some great accomplishment & makes them smarter than everyone else.These same "certain folks" try to downplay anyone who wants to let the development play out or defend a young player for whatever reason. Why not just let it play out? If the guy is into his 3rd year & isn't producing or doesn't stay healthy..than he's gonna get released.Then..yes.."bust talk" is likely in order.Ahh no..but the SOJF criticizes this notion.As if they aren't allowed to have an opinion after the fact b/c they didn't give up on a player during his rookie year.Which begs the question: Do they care more about predicting the future & being right..or seeing young players get better, contribute & ultimately help this team win? Hill is no different than any other developing prospect that has come through here. They almost all have growing pains.Some are able to overcome & some fall through the cracks.
Really? THis is over the top. From my perspective the overly skeptical might have a show me attitude - "I will wait to approve of a player until he shows he is worthy of it". For those rosy optimists who express approval before it is deserved, such an attitude is just too much to consider, let alone stomach. But it does not equate with wanting to see failure. For realists, like me, in the middle, I think one should be wary of approving the team's commitment to players who did not deserve it. In hindsight, when should the Jets have moved beyond Mark Sanchez, for example? Past what point will even the rose colored glasses wearing acknowledge the team was not well served by putting continued faith in him? There are other obvious examples ((Gholston, Robertson, D Robinson, etc.). A more realistic approach acknowledges that young players do need a certain amount of time to develop. But that is not the same as saying such players deserve too many opportunities to harm the team with poor play. Yes, the obvious question there concerns the metric of what is too many. I don't think there are any completely clear rules in that regard, which not coincidentally bothers both the homers and the cynical. As for Hill I am not ready to pronounce him a bust. He's been hindered by both injuries and playing with lousy Qb's. While the new system and new OC Marty are clear upgrades, it should be conceded that playing in two different systems in as many years probably held him back. Since the Jets do not yet have an obvious depth chart at wideout after Decker and Kerley, he gets a chance. What he makes of it, will make of it, is not at all clear at this point. Frankly nothing would surprise me anywhere from earning a starting role to being cut. He's that much of an unknown.
It is too early as you stated, but I believe Nelson is the front runner at this stage, not Hill. Stephen Hill must regain the trust of his coaches and teammates - he must move back up the depth chart.
Hill plays WR but cannot catch... I don't care if he starts to run the most precise routes, gets separation, can go over anybody to snag the ball...... All means zilch if he can't catch.. Which he can't..
Don't sleep on Shaq Evans at that number 2 spot... Might not be immediately, but by mid season I can see it. Guy has talent.
There's never really a timetable on when to call someone a bust. There's no necessity towards doing so either. It's all a matter of economics and need. With that said, this is most likely a make-or-break season for Hill.
I want to believe in Hill but he has never produced above average WR numbers anywhere..he wasnt drafted for his ability to have 100 catches in a season. Could he be productive? Yes. Could he be productive enough to be a starter opposite Decker? That Im not sure of. He's a WR with bad hands..a guy who if he was taken in the 4th round instead of the 2nd would never have that type of article talking him up. It is unfair to label him a bust but its also unfair for people to expect something major out of him.
I'm not sure what would make anyone think that Stephen Hill is a front runner for anything at this point. He's been a huge disappointment, got outperformed by a guy that came in cold from a division rival and became one of the only competent options, Hill lost his job and then got injured for the rest of the season. Now we have a number of competitors at the position, guys that actually produced in college. Maybe they didn't have an impressive combine, but combine numbers don't make you a front runner for an NFL job, they only help you get drafted. Hill may end up as the third depth guy at one of the two outside receiver positions before the last preseason game, if he makes the team at all.
This is Hill's last shot. I don't have any faith in him but he's in year 3 now so it's only fair to give him one last chance. If he doesn't come out the gates strong then it's adios for him.
I agree it's at least 2 months too soon to call him a bust. that doesn't mean I'm expecting anything from him.
The problem for me with Hill isn't just his hands...it's how he attacks the ball. If you read his college scouting reports when he was drafted, he was a guy who had speed to be a deep threat but importantly could win jump balls. When I watch him even when healthy, he just doesn't do that...he plays much shorter than that which leaves you with a fast tall guy who doesn't jump and can't catch. I have to say that the Hill decision seemed to be right up the alley of the old regime (Gholston also comes to recent memory) . Every year you see guys get overdrafted because of measurables with the Raiders being repeat offenders. Now I know people are high on Rex, but my biggest fear headed into training camp is that we cut the wrong receiver ( whether it's Hill, Ford, Nelson or Enunwa) but my concern is that they remain loyal too long to Hill just because of his draft status. Some of you may not agree with me but when I watched Cromartie last year he didn't deserve to be on the field many a time and I feel that there are times when the staff seems to have favoritism. I hope Hill can turn the corner in the proverbial third year, I really do. But if he gets outplayed in camp, I hope Idzik and Rex have the guts to do the right thing. The bar isn't whether he is a bust or not, it should be whether he will be one of the top 6 guys come September.
I understand the Rex thing, but I kinda recall Rex not being too happy with the Hill draft pick, so maybe Rex would have no problem giving Hill the boot.
