It’s fair to say that the Jets expected more from wide receiver Stephen Hill after drafting him in the second round of the 2012 draft.
Hill has 45 catches for 594 yards and four touchdowns (two of which came in his first game) over 23 games in his first two seasons, each of which ended with Hill on injured reserve because of knee issues. Hill’s also had difficulty holding onto passes that do come his way, all of which combines to paint a picture of a draft miss by the Jets. Wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal says it is too early to make that kind of judgment, though.
“It’s a little early to label him as a bust,” Lal said, via the New York Daily News. “When I think of a bust, I don’t think of him that way. I have seen players who are higher picks that were busts because of their own laziness. Those are busts. I have a hard time labeling a guy a bust when he’s done everything in his power. Luck in terms of injuries hasn’t been on his side.”
Whether he’s been a bust or snakebitten, Hill’s likely down to his last chance with the Jets. The depth chart has become more crowded and more talented with the arrival of Eric Decker and three draft picks, which means Hill will have to offer more than the potential that comes with ideal size and athletic ability in order to get on the field. If he can’t, it will be hard to paint his Jets tenure as anything but a wasted draft pick.