Colts Post-Draft Positional Review: Wide Receivers
By Evan Reller
Nov 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) scores a touchdown as Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Dwayne Gratz (27) defends during the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts defeated the Jaguars 23-3. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
2014 Stats: 82 receptions, 1,345 yards, 7 touchdowns
PFF Grade: +12.0
DYAR: 11th DVOA: 14th
Hilton is an incredibly dynamic downfield receiver. He made a ton of big plays last season, but left some on the field with seven drops. He was tied for ninth most in the league and dropped 5.3-percent of his passes. Too many of those drops seemed to be due to a lack of concentration and simply looking upfield before corralling the ball.
Hilton struggled in the playoffs when opposing teams were able to double team him without fearing another receiver getting open. At times, Hilton has broken through extra coverage with speed and precise route running (read: against Houston) but he needs to become more consistent.
That said, Hilton is still one of the best up and coming wideouts in the league and clearly has become the safety net for Luck. A repeat of last year would be great (and not surprising considering the plethora of other options) but if he wants to be paid like an elite receiver, considering it is a contract year, he’ll have to improve on last season’s stats.