Colts Vontae Davis and T.Y. Hilton Narrowly Miss Making NFL Top 100
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis and wide receiver T.Y. Hilton narrowly missed making the NFL’s “Top 100” this year–voted on annually by the league’s players, as NFL Network released a segment of 10 players who didn’t quite make the cut:
"104. Vontae Davis, CB Indianapolis Colts“I would say Vontae Davis,” answered Jacksonville Jaguars Pro Bowl wide receiver Allen Robinson on a defensive back that is problematic. “It was really fun playing against him and being able to break down the film at the end of the game. Kind of really analyze for me how to get better as a wide receiver.”“He was born with the ability not to give up the deep ball,” said former Colts safety Sergio Brown. 102. T.Y. Hilton, WR Indianapolis Colts“I would say T.Y. Hilton,” said Denver Broncos All-Pro cornerback Chris Harris Jr. on a wide receiver that belongs on the NFL’s Top 100 list. “He’s very explosive and able to get that separation on even the faster cornerbacks in the league.”“One time I was man-to-man on him in the slot, and he ran a deep over route on me. That was probably one of the best plays on me all year.”"
While both players were named as Pro Bowlers for a consecutive season, each endured a bit of a down season–much like their team collectively as a whole.
Davis recorded 48 tackles and 4 interceptions for the Colts, making all 16 starts this past season.
Perhaps battling injuries, the 8-year veteran was very good, but not great for the Colts secondary.
Specifically, Davis allowed 7 touchdowns in coverage, having not allowed a single touchdown just a season prior.
Meanwhile, Hilton still managed to catch 69 receptions for 1,124 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns despite having star quarterback Andrew Luck out for 9 games due to injuries.
Hilton’s deep ball receiving game clearly suffered, as retired 40 year old backup Matt Hasselbeck simply didn’t have the arm strength of his younger Colts counterpart.
Nevertheless, both Colts remain among the best players at their positions respectively and will hope to bounce back after a somewhat disappointing season.
Staying healthy and with a healthy Luck in the fold–in Hilton’s case, they’re a safe bet to regain their prior NFL Top 100 production, having just been a year removed from actually both making the list.
As it stands, Luck was the team’s lone representative this season coming in at #92 overall. That’s a safe bet to change after this upcoming season.