Stephen Hill
6'3 3/4, 215 pounds | Wide receiver | Georgia Tech
Stephen Hill 2012 NFL Draft scouting report
Body control: An incredible athlete and leaper. Hill displays excellent body control and can high point the ball as well as or better than any receiver in the class. Has a flare for the dynamic and will make jaw-dropping one-handed catches. One of the better blocking receivers in this year’s class.
Hands: Hands are inconsistent. Is the classic dynamic receiving threat who will make incredible catches and drop the easy ones. Had only 49 catches in a three-year career for 1,248 and nine scores.
Release: Has the frame, length and power to pushed corners back off press coverage. Will need to get more consistent at it, though. Doesn't fire off the snap all that impressively.
Route running: Largely an unknown as a route runner because Georgia Tech played a run-based option offense. Mostly ran vertical routes in the Yellow Jackets' system. Also used in the screen game. It's not fair to judge Hill positively or negatively on how his footwork and route running has looked in the offseason. Usually didn't have to get open against more than a single defensive back as safeties played in the box to stop the run.
Size: Hill has great size. He's tall with long arms, which helps him catch bad throws and beat corners out for the ball.
Speed: Hill's timed speed is excellent, and a major reason most have fallen over themselves to laud him. But there is some concern because he's a long strider. For the unaware, that means it takes Hill some time to get up to top speed. He's not a sudden, explosive athlete in the short area. Will make defenders miss after the catch because of his speed, not his elusiveness.
Final word: As expected, Hill began ascending up draft boards of Internet websites during the workout process. He's a physical marvel with size and speed. But game film shows an inexperienced route runner with sometimes questionable hands. While he's more Torrey Smith than Darrius Heyward-Bey, there will be some risk in drafting Hill early.
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