New York Jets Stephen Hill says knee is 100%

New York Jets wide receiver Stephen Hill was placed on the injured reserve last season in the middle of December with an LCL sprain, and he has reportedly been rehabbing in New York this offseason. Brian Costello of the New York Post tweeted that Hill has stated his knee is “100 percent”.

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The Jets are expecting big things out of Hill in year two, and the Georgia Tech product certainly had his expected ups-and-downs as a very raw rookie coming from the opposite of a pro-style offense in college. Hill has plenty of raw talent and upside, but he needs to cut down on drops and has to run better routes. The drops look to be the most frustrating thing at first glance, but I think the biggest issue with Hill going forward is whether or not he can run crisper routes and truly get down the offense. He has terrific physical tools and an excellent 6’4″, 215 pound frame, but there is still more that Hill needs to do.

Rex Ryan and the Jets are also counting on big things from Hill next season, because they desperately need a high-impact wide receiver regardless of whether or not Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith, or David Garrard starts at the quarterback position next year. Hill was supposed to have a “project player” kind of rookie season, but he will have to improve on his total of 21 catches for 252 yards and three touchdowns last season.

Hill really needs to develop some consistency going forward, and it is great to hear that his knee is at 100% and he can participate as much as possible in offseason workouts. This is a big chance for Hill to improve and fulfill as much of his potential as possible, and the Jets are certainly intrigued by his upside. Everything about Stephen Hill screamed “inconsistent” as a rookie, and he was an absolute non-factor for the Jets at times. The Jets need plenty of help from Hill in 2013, and we’ll see how much they can get out of him. I have a feeling it will be another year until Hill truly develops into what the Jets are hoping he can become.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.