According to Bucky Brooks of NFL.com, the Indianapolis Colts have one of the league’s Top 5 deep threats in wideout T.Y. Hilton. The diminutive, yet incredibly dangerous wideout has quickly become his star quarterback Andrew Luck‘s go-to target and one of the premier big play deep threats in the entire NFL:
"3) T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis ColtsIt is easy to miscast the Colts’ diminutive WR1 as a one-trick pony on the perimeter, due to his slender frame (5-9, 178 pounds) and explosive speed, but few NFL receivers have a more complete toolbox than Hilton. The fourth-year pro is an electric route runner with a keen understanding of when to use his speed to fly by defenders on vertical routes. As a result, Hilton already has tallied 17 catches of 40-plus yards, including six in 2014. Even more impressive: Hilton has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and dominated opponents despite facing some form of double coverage on nearly every snap. With the Colts adding a few more playmakers to the receiving corps during the offseason (veteran Andre Johnson and rookie burner Phillip Dorsett), Hilton could face more one-on-one coverage, leading to better efficiency and production on the perimeter. If Hilton gets more optimal opportunities as the Colts’ top target, he could emerge as the top dog on this list by the end of the season."
Dec 7, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) celebrates scoring the game winning touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Cots won 25-24. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
The 4th-year wideout is coming off a breakout season with the Colts, in which he caught 82 receptions for 1,345 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. The advanced statistics and grades have also shed a very positive light on Hilton’s performance last year, as he was statistically a Top 5 wideout last season. Hilton’s stellar play was rewarded as he made his 1st career Pro Bowl appearance and was named #35 in the NFL’s Top 100.
According to ProFootballFocus (subscription), he had the 8th best deep ball catch rate among all wideouts at 45.2% with 42 of his receptions and 528 receiving yards respectively coming off deep balls. In fact, 5 of Hilton’s 7 touchdowns last season came on deep throws, which further demonstrates his big play ability.
Of course, with big play, home run catches such as below, it’s fairly easy to see why Hilton is arguably considered among one of the Top 5 deep threats in the entire NFL:
Here…
And once again…
The scary part is that with the offseason additions of Andre Johnson and Phillip Dorsett, opposing defenses may not be able to provide as much safety help over the top on Hilton. Less double teams could potentially mean more deep strikes for Hilton, as he’ll be able to “better blow the lid off” of opposing coverages.
T.Y. could very well be in line for more T.D.’s, particularly of the deep ball variety. Something that should suit one of the league’s truly elite deep threats just fine.
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