Stephen Hill

[beerlover]

Usually Alan Burge has this covered but a new name emerged during the combine that is worthy of mention as Texans address a #2 WR. If Kendall Wright is off the board by Texans selection #26 I might suggest Hill as a draft riser @ WR position who has both size 6-4 215, speed 4.36 body control & soft hands.

http://www.nfl.com/combine/story/09...ness-with-precombine-prep-work?module=HP11_cp

He also specializes in a whole different category, blocking, that we all know Texans covet. Hill was mostly asked to block in Georgia Tech's triple-option offense. As a blocker, Hill is outstanding, consistently locating, controlling, moving, and pancaking smaller DBs, and more than holding his own against LBs. Hill, despite high hips, bends his knees, uses good technique, and has good range and power blocking.

Seems like clean, well spoken individual who easily buys into team concept. He would bring not only speed on the outside he would lift the roof on coverage's & open up routes for Andre, other receivers/TE's. 29.3 yards per catch average. Those yards per catch are no joke either, I looked up his numbers, as a freshmen 22.83, sophomore 19.4.

Bottom Line: Big play specialist, every down WR because of blocking skill set, in other words might just be perfect compliment to Andre Johnson.

 

[Texn4life]

Usually Alan Burge has this covered but a new name emerged during the combine that is worthy of mention as Texans address a #2 WR. If Kendall Wright is off the board by Texans selection #26 I might suggest Hill as a draft riser @ WR position who has both size 6-4 215, speed 4.36 body control & soft hands.

http://www.nfl.com/combine/story/09...ness-with-precombine-prep-work?module=HP11_cp

He also specializes in a whole different category, blocking, that we all know Texans covet. Hill was mostly asked to block in Georgia Tech's triple-option offense. As a blocker, Hill is outstanding, consistently locating, controlling, moving, and pancaking smaller DBs, and more than holding his own against LBs. Hill, despite high hips, bends his knees, uses good technique, and has good range and power blocking.

Seems like clean, well spoken individual who easily buys into team concept. He would bring not only speed on the outside he would lift the roof on coverage's & open up routes for Andre, other receivers/TE's. 29.3 yards per catch average. Those yards per catch are no joke either, I looked up his numbers, as a freshmen 22.83, sophomore 19.4.

Bottom Line: Big play specialist, every down WR because of blocking skill set, in other words might just be perfect compliment to Andre Johnson.

Because of the system he would be a project. In this type of situation it's valuable to keep a guy like Walter around if you draft Hill. It's going to be an adjustment going to a pro style offense where he's exposed to running a complete route tree. His big play potential is too big to ignore. He's one of those guys where you'll probably see just about every team at his pro day where they can focus solely on his route running. It would have been even more awesome to see him in the Senior Bowl running these routes instead of against air, but I'm with you that the guy is worth a look.

 

[Dutchrudder]

I saw his combine performance and He looks legit. He may vault Randle and Jeffery to become the 4th best WR prospect.

 

[beerlover]

The NFL draft process is fluid, always keep options open. There are so many dynamics in play, in Stephen Hills case it may be just system he played in? While he may not have developed the route tree you'd like the fact that he learned how to block is exceptionally under-rated skill set, not tested @ the combine. He is fluid, assimilated drills quickly & showcased soft hands, plucking ball away from body suggesting a true sleeper pick @ a position Texans need help in.

 

[mussop]

The NFL draft process is fluid, always keep options open. There are so many dynamics in play, in Stephen Hills case it may be just system he played in? While he may not have developed the route tree you'd like the fact that he learned how to block is exceptionally under-rated skill set, not tested @ the combine. He is fluid, assimilated drills quickly & showcased soft hands, plucking ball away from body suggesting a true sleeper pick @ a position Texans need help in.

from the combine web site.

WEAKNESSES Hill's value is based purely off his ability as a deep threat. He has average quickness and moves off the line of scrimmage to avoid a jam. He ran a very basic route tree at Georgia Tech that didn't allow him to showcase many skills. Outside of catching jump balls, he struggles to read coverages and understand how to find holes in a zone. Hill looks uncomfortable with the ball in his hands and resembles a lengthy track star on the field instead of a football player. He dropped as many big balls as he made big plays; his YPC stat defines him perfectly as a player who is capable of making flash plays but isn't reliable.


The forty time is impressive but the body of work in college is not. There is major risk in taking this type player. has alot of the same qualities that JJ had coming out. Is a high risk, high reward type that would not touch until the 3rd round.

 

[beerlover]

from the combine web site.

WEAKNESSES Hill's value is based purely off his ability as a deep threat. He has average quickness and moves off the line of scrimmage to avoid a jam. He ran a very basic route tree at Georgia Tech that didn't allow him to showcase many skills. Outside of catching jump balls, he struggles to read coverages and understand how to find holes in a zone. Hill looks uncomfortable with the ball in his hands and resembles a lengthy track star on the field instead of a football player. He dropped as many big balls as he made big plays; his YPC stat defines him perfectly as a player who is capable of making flash plays but isn't reliable.


The forty time is impressive but the body of work in college is not. There is major risk in taking this type player. has alot of the same qualities that JJ had coming out. Is a high risk, high reward type that would not touch until the 3rd round.

I did not see any weakness in his performance, of course its just the combine, but he ran the drills fluidly without hesitation. You can't compare him to a slot receiver either, what I'm suggesting is the system ran @ GT dictated his role even though each year his numbers progressively improved. Remember he is only a Junior. He also followed in the footsteps of Demaryius Thomas who followed Calvin Johnson. Which tells me recruiting wise they do a pretty good job developing bigger, faster WR's with good hands.

 

[mussop]

I did not see any weakness in his performance, of course its just the combine, but he ran the drills fluidly without hesitation. You can't compare him to a slot receiver either, what I'm suggesting is the system ran @ GT dictated his role even though each year his numbers progressively improved. Remember he is only a Junior. He also followed in the footsteps of Demaryius Thomas who followed Calvin Johnson. Which tells me recruiting wise they do a pretty good job developing bigger, faster WR's with good hands.

I watched him more than once and I'm telling you that he is capable of making spectacular plays at times. The problem is he drops more passes than he makes big plays. He disappears for long stretches and sometimes entire games. He has serious potential. that is why I compare him to Jacoby.

 

[thunderkyss]

Usually Alan Burge has this covered but a new name emerged during the combine that is worthy of mention as Texans address a #2 WR.

I took notice when I saw that 4.3 forty. I wanted to see him in the catching drills, but missed them.

Is he plucking the ball with his hands? Routes look ok? How about catching, turning, & exploding?

 

[SAMURAITEXAN]

So I guess, WR prospects situation may go down like the following.

Blackmon Top 5
Floyd Top 20
Randle, Hill, Streeter Late 1st to eary 2nd?
Quick, Toon, McNutt 2nd to 3rd

Jeffery and Fuller didn't run so don't know where they fit.

Devon Wylie for our kick/punt return specialist?

 

[NastyNate]

Usually Alan Burge has this covered but a new name emerged during the combine that is worthy of mention as Texans address a #2 WR. If Kendall Wright is off the board by Texans selection #26 I might suggest Hill as a draft riser @ WR position who has both size 6-4 215, speed 4.36 body control & soft hands.

http://www.nfl.com/combine/story/09...ness-with-precombine-prep-work?module=HP11_cp

He also specializes in a whole different category, blocking, that we all know Texans covet. Hill was mostly asked to block in Georgia Tech's triple-option offense. As a blocker, Hill is outstanding, consistently locating, controlling, moving, and pancaking smaller DBs, and more than holding his own against LBs. Hill, despite high hips, bends his knees, uses good technique, and has good range and power blocking.

Seems like clean, well spoken individual who easily buys into team concept. He would bring not only speed on the outside he would lift the roof on coverage's & open up routes for Andre, other receivers/TE's. 29.3 yards per catch average. Those yards per catch are no joke either, I looked up his numbers, as a freshmen 22.83, sophomore 19.4.

Bottom Line: Big play specialist, every down WR because of blocking skill set, in other words might just be perfect compliment to Andre Johnson.

No no no no for the love of god NO! Please do not draft this kid. He is so inconsistent it kills. He's dropped more open passes than anyone I can recount. 49 career catches, probably 49 career drops. He's terrible.

Nate

 

[thunderkyss]

from the combine web site.

WEAKNESSES Hill's value is based purely off his ability as a deep threat. He has average quickness and moves off the line of scrimmage to avoid a jam. He ran a very basic route tree at Georgia Tech that didn't allow him to showcase many skills. Outside of catching jump balls, he struggles to read coverages and understand how to find holes in a zone. Hill looks uncomfortable with the ball in his hands and resembles a lengthy track star on the field instead of a football player. He dropped as many big balls as he made big plays; his YPC stat defines him perfectly as a player who is capable of making flash plays but isn't reliable.


The forty time is impressive but the body of work in college is not. There is major risk in taking this type player. has alot of the same qualities that JJ had coming out. Is a high risk, high reward type that would not touch until the 3rd round.

I'm thinking the same thing.

But.. he's what, 6-4 & ran a 4.3...... that's insane. That's Randy Moss.

However, I don't know if we have the tools behind center to take advantage.

There aren't many highlights of him on YouTube, but what I saw, I didn't see anyone try to jam him on the line. The gave him space & he was still able to get to any spot on the field he wanted....

 

[NastyNate]

I'm thinking the same thing.

But.. he's what, 6-4 & ran a 4.3...... that's insane. That's Randy Moss.

However, I don't know if we have the tools behind center to take advantage.

There aren't many highlights of him on YouTube, but what I saw, I didn't see anyone try to jam him on the line. The gave him space & he was still able to get to any spot on the field he wanted....

TK, he can't consistently make the catch. PASS! You're giving up Jacoby for a rookie Jacoby 2.0. Stop it already, he hasn't been on draft boards for a reason!

 

[SAMURAITEXAN]

TK, he can't consistently make the catch. PASS! You're giving up Jacoby for a rookie Jacoby 2.0. Stop it already, he hasn't been on draft boards for a reason!

Sometime, even so call experts miss evaluate prospects. So, you never know Hill maybe a legit late 1st rd pick.

Go Texans!!!

 

[Lucky]

No no no no for the love of god NO! Please do not draft this kid. He is so inconsistent it kills. He's dropped more open passes than anyone I can recount. 49 career catches, probably 49 career drops. He's terrible.

Nate

Nate, have you actually seen Hill play one game? Ever? How do you know how many passes he has or hasn't dropped?

 

[Lucky]

Stephen Hill one handed catch

Stephen Hill diving catch with CB hanging on

Stephen Hill takes a short pass 80 yards

 

[aussie_texan]

was watching the combine live and the 40 just blew me away straight away i was looking all over the net about this kid.

he does have jacoby written all over him, smaller school, high potential but big risk.

i wouldn't put a first round grade on him because of his route running but if his available in the 2nd i would be pretty happy if we got him.

 

[beerlover]

Forget draft grade a minute and ask yourself who would have the biggest impact as a Texan amongst available WR's in this draft? Who would be the best complimentary fit across Andre Johnson.

 

[Playoffs]

Forget draft grade a minute and ask yourself who would have the biggest impact as a Texan amongst available WR's in this draft? Who would be the best complimentary fit across Andre Johnson.

Kendall Wright.

 

[Lucky]

he does have jacoby written all over him, smaller school

Georgia Tech is a BCS school that has played in post season bowl games for the past 15 seasons.

 

[76Texan]

I took notice when I saw that 4.3 forty. I wanted to see him in the catching drills, but missed them.

Is he plucking the ball with his hands? Routes look ok? How about catching, turning, & exploding?

He looks pretty good in one portion of the drills that I saw.
He was attacking the ball really well.
i've got a bunch of game tapes on him; I guess I'll start pulling them out.

 

[NastyNate]

Sometime, even so call experts miss evaluate prospects. So, you never know Hill maybe a legit late 1st rd pick.

Go Texans!!!

I'm not a UT fan. I watch a lot of Big 12 and ACC games though, I've seen 4 Georgia Tech games this year. Yes, he's dropped almost 40% of what he's caught. And he drops them in wide open situations. He's a Jacoby Jones. He is. Don't believe me? Earmark this thread with a potential big bowl of crow. **** I'll eat 100 bowls of it if he makes it, but he's nothing and will turnout to be nothing other than a speedy dropster. He fears contact and can't make the marquee catches a WR should (gasp, who do we have that does that?).

Nate

 

[NastyNate]

Nate, have you actually seen Hill play one game? Ever? How do you know how many passes he has or hasn't dropped?

Yes I've watched 4 games Hill has played. Don't want him, not even a hint of big time playmaking ability. Get outta my draft Hill. Drops everything in wide open coverage, minimal route skills, won't be ish in the NFL. Mark it zero dude, mark it zero.

 

[aussie_texan]

by smaller i went not a major program. obviously its a bigger program then lane college

 

[Playoffs]

He looks pretty good in one portion of the drills that I saw.
He was attacking the ball really well.
i've got a bunch of game tapes on him; I guess I'll start pulling them out.

Yes, please do.

Knock is he never ran/learned a route tree -- just streaks/slants. And he can't separate off the line, had some drops. How long will his learning curve be???

 

[AcresHomesTexan]

by smaller i went not a major program. obviously its a bigger program then lane college

How major do you need? GT is an ACC school a conference we have done quite well drafting from.

 

[SAMURAITEXAN]

I'm not a UT fan. I watch a lot of Big 12 and ACC games though, I've seen 4 Georgia Tech games this year. Yes, he's dropped almost 40% of what he's caught. And he drops them in wide open situations. He's a Jacoby Jones. He is. Don't believe me? Earmark this thread with a potential big bowl of crow. **** I'll eat 100 bowls of it if he makes it, but he's nothing and will turnout to be nothing other than a speedy dropster. He fears contact and can't make the marquee catches a WR should (gasp, who do we have that does that?).

Nate

When dealing with a player like Jacoby, we tend to focus more of hands issue than anything which is a natural reaction. I said many times before that I aint an expert and just fan of the Texans. From my eyes, guy that is 6'4" with 4.3 range speed is just insane. I am very intrigued by Hill and Streeter 6'5" with speed. They are both vertical and red zone threat to me.

Go Texans!!!

 

[Playoffs]

...Streeter 6'5" with speed. They are both vertical and red zone threat to me.

Go Texans!!!

Streeter looked awful to me -- wouldn't touch him.

 

[SAMURAITEXAN]

Streeter looked awful to me -- wouldn't touch him.

On the contrary, I wouldn't mind us invest in him to develop as our future #1 or #2 WR and should help us some in red zone as a rook. But I do respect your guys comment since I believe your guys have better eyes for the talent. And, my eyes are too small to see a whole picture lol.

Go Texans!!!

 

[mussop]

Stephen Hill one handed catch

Stephen Hill diving catch with CB hanging on

Stephen Hill takes a short pass 80 yards

Too bad they don't make youtube videos of drops or he would have his own library.

 

[NastyNate]

Too bad they don't make youtube videos of drops or he would have his own library.

He'd probably have 48 videos. There are 100 Al Davis' in this thread right meow.

 

[TexansSeminole]

Nate, have you actually seen Hill play one game? Ever? How do you know how many passes he has or hasn't dropped?

I can't speak for Nate, but being an ACC guy I have seen Hill play many times.

His strength is his blocking and explosiveness. He does have a knack for dropping balls and/or not in sync with his quarterback. He is extremely limited in his knowledge of routes and his ability to read the holes in zones. I'm not saying he can't do those things, only that he has limited experience in doing so. We are talking about what 48 or 49 career catches at GTech.

A guy like Stephen Hill is a project on the Texans, and I wouldn't take him with our first round selection. I am hoping the Texans can get an outside or slot receiver in this draft that can contribute in the 2012 season.

 

[leebigeztx]

A buddy of mine who does a great job with the draft has been talking this guy up for a month. He's very similar to thomas. Thing is, who can get the ball to him?

 

[beerlover]

A buddy of mine who does a great job with the draft has been talking this guy up for a month. He's very similar to thomas. Thing is, who can get the ball to him?

Good point, but a good problem to have.

 

[Playoffs]

Evan Silva ‏ @evansilva Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Watched 2 Stephen Hill games last night (UNC, CLEM). Baller. Stands out as best player on field when involved. Way better RAC than expected.
Evan Silva ‏ @evansilva Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Hill catches everything w/ his hands. Growing up to do but freak length, catch radius, speed, high effort. Plays fast. 1st rd within reach.

 

[beerlover]

Evan Silva ‏ @evansilva Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Watched 2 Stephen Hill games last night (UNC, CLEM). Baller. Stands out as best player on field when involved. Way better RAC than expected.
Evan Silva ‏ @evansilva Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Hill catches everything w/ his hands. Growing up to do but freak length, catch radius, speed, high effort. Plays fast. 1st rd within reach.

I guess nastynate missed a couple games? All I know is what I watched. Everything as stated by Silva look true to me. Add clean bill of health, no off field issues, high character kid, not a diva type willing to block & work within team concept, #26 isn't out of the question.

 

[WolverineFan]

Ironic that most of the guys here have been bashing Jacoby Jones for years and they want to take a similar project with our 1st round pick. Hill was a mid round prospect before the combine (and that's taking potential into account beforehand). Anyone who was familiar with him before this weekend knew he was going to run fast.

We don't need another project WR right now. Grab a solid guy in the 1st or 2nd because that's what we need. We don't need 2 Jacoby Jones' running around out there.

If WR is as big a need as many on this board say it is, then why would you waste your top pick on a project player who will not contribute early in his career.

 

[beerlover]

It's just plain silliness to compare Hill with Jones.

 

[nero THE zero]

from the combine web site.

WEAKNESSES Hill's value is based purely off his ability as a deep threat. He has average quickness and moves off the line of scrimmage to avoid a jam. He ran a very basic route tree at Georgia Tech that didn't allow him to showcase many skills. Outside of catching jump balls, he struggles to read coverages and understand how to find holes in a zone. Hill looks uncomfortable with the ball in his hands and resembles a lengthy track star on the field instead of a football player. He dropped as many big balls as he made big plays; his YPC stat defines him perfectly as a player who is capable of making flash plays but isn't reliable.


The forty time is impressive but the body of work in college is not. There is major risk in taking this type player. has alot of the same qualities that JJ had coming out. Is a high risk, high reward type that would not touch until the 3rd round.

This, this, this.

As a Georgia Tech fan I have seen a bunch of Hill. He has no problem getting downfield and has the size you'd love. But, he simply cannot catch the ball.

He's the quintessential workout warrior who will be overdrafted because of his combine numbers and will bust in the NFL.

I would not touch him with a 10-foot pole.

 

[WolverineFan]

It's just plain silliness to compare Hill with Jones.

Why is that? They are/were both projects. That was the comparison.

We don't need to waste another 1st round pick on a project player at a position of need (Okoye). If WR is truly a need then pass on the 'sexier' prospect and take the solid guy who can contribute to the team. Guys like Floyd, Sanu, McNutt, etc. can contribute now.

 

[nero THE zero]

Nate, have you actually seen Hill play one game? Ever? How do you know how many passes he has or hasn't dropped?

I've seen more of him than anyone here, and way more than the 4 Evan Silva watched. Granted, I don't get paid to evaluate NFL talent, but I can tell you as a fan of the team that Hill has played on, he has broken my heart with blatant drops in the wide open field more times than I can count.

 

[mussop]

It's just plain silliness to compare Hill with Jones.

Apparently you're the only one having a problem seeing the similarities. You need to look past the combine numbers. Game tape should be 98% of the evaluation. You move a guy up to far because of measurables you are asking for failure. That is the kind of approach A Davis used to take to the draft and people laughed at him. Another example, mike mamula, remember him.

Now is not the time to take these kind of risk.

 

[beerlover]

Apparently you're the only one having a problem seeing the similarities. You need to look past the combine numbers. Game tape should be 98% of the evaluation. You move a guy up to far because of measurables you are asking for failure. That is the kind of approach A Davis used to take to the draft and people laughed at him. Another example, mike mamula, remember him.

Now is not the time to take these kind of risk.

seriously, if there was any similarity do you think I would compare the two or be the least bit intrigued?

Jacoby ran a 4.5 in his forty, has super small hands, is shorter, less 5 inches in his vertical jump & played for a small school against lesser competition. There is your comparison.

 

[The1ApplePie]

Apparently you're the only one having a problem seeing the similarities. You need to look past the combine numbers. Game tape should be 98% of the evaluation. You move a guy up to far because of measurables you are asking for failure. That is the kind of approach A Davis used to take to the draft and people laughed at him. Another example, mike mamula, remember him.

Now is not the time to take these kind of risk.

Mario Williams and JPP have both been workout warriors that panned out great in recent drafts. Antonio Cromartie has done well too.

Didn't Michael Crabtree and Aaron Curry look amazing on tape?

 

[thunderkyss]

TK, he can't consistently make the catch. PASS! You're giving up Jacoby for a rookie Jacoby 2.0. Stop it already, he hasn't been on draft boards for a reason!

Stop what? I didn't say we should draft him. I'm saying I haven't seen enough to even think anyone should take him in the first round.

I saw him at the combine, his size (height & weight) & speed made me want to know more.

 

[beerlover]

The only thing I can think of which could cause Stephen Hill to drop so many passes (trust fellow posters on this) he could be afraid of contact? This is obviously not tested @ the combine. If he is afraid of contact that's a whole other thing. When isolated on the ball he shows excellent concentration, focus & ability to use his hands away from his body. I'm hoping he could get stronger in mini-fall camps with proper diet & nutrition along with workout regiment. Similar body build, speed comparable to Randy Moss.

 

[thunderkyss]

I've seen more of him than anyone here, and way more than the 4 Evan Silva watched. Granted, I don't get paid to evaluate NFL talent, but I can tell you as a fan of the team that Hill has played on, he has broken my heart with blatant drops in the wide open field more times than I can count.

Is it a technique issue? Concentration? Is it something a coach can help him with?

Does anyone know what his vertical & broad jump were?

 

[TimeKiller]

Is it a technique issue? Concentration? Is it something a coach can help him with?

Does anyone know what his vertical & broad jump were?

Vert 39.5"
Broad 11'1''

Anyone think maybe playing for a triple option team stunted his development?

I wouldn't be mad.

 

[WolverineFan]

Mario Williams and JPP have both been workout warriors that panned out great in recent drafts. Antonio Cromartie has done well too.

Didn't Michael Crabtree and Aaron Curry look amazing on tape?

Mario and JPP both were pretty good in college though. You see guys with great film bust out all the time. I've never seen a guy with bad film become a star.

This is what I hate about the combine. Guys like Heyward-Bey, Hill, etc., etc. all get overrated because of their measureables. Being a good athlete doesn't make you a good football player.

 

[NastyNate]

Ironic that most of the guys here have been bashing Jacoby Jones for years and they want to take a similar project with our 1st round pick. Hill was a mid round prospect before the combine (and that's taking potential into account beforehand). Anyone who was familiar with him before this weekend knew he was going to run fast.

We don't need another project WR right now. Grab a solid guy in the 1st or 2nd because that's what we need. We don't need 2 Jacoby Jones' running around out there.

If WR is as big a need as many on this board say it is, then why would you waste your top pick on a project player who will not contribute early in his career.

This, this, this.

As a Georgia Tech fan I have seen a bunch of Hill. He has no problem getting downfield and has the size you'd love. But, he simply cannot catch the ball.

He's the quintessential workout warrior who will be overdrafted because of his combine numbers and will bust in the NFL.

I would not touch him with a 10-foot pole.

Why is that? They are/were both projects. That was the comparison.

We don't need to waste another 1st round pick on a project player at a position of need (Okoye). If WR is truly a need then pass on the 'sexier' prospect and take the solid guy who can contribute to the team. Guys like Floyd, Sanu, McNutt, etc. can contribute now.

I've seen more of him than anyone here, and way more than the 4 Evan Silva watched. Granted, I don't get paid to evaluate NFL talent, but I can tell you as a fan of the team that Hill has played on, he has broken my heart with blatant drops in the wide open field more times than I can count.

Thank you x 10! People get so caught up with combine numbers and don't look at the body of work a receiver puts together. BeerLover, we share the same love (of beer obviously) but not for Stephen Hill. I'd probably cry into my beer if we drafted him. If we got him in the 7th I'd still be sad.

 

[thunderkyss]

Mario and JPP both were pretty good in college though. You see guys with great film bust out all the time. I've never seen a guy with bad film become a star.

This is what I hate about the combine. Guys like Heyward-Bey, Hill, etc., etc. all get overrated because of their measureables. Being a good athlete doesn't make you a good football player.

Heyward-Bey didn't get overrated..... he got Al Davis'd..... I think that's a different case all together.