Kansas City Chiefs Rookie Review 2016: Tyreek Hill
By Matt Conner
Before the Chiefs draft an entire new draft class to analyze, let’s take a look back at 2016. Our next Rookie Review is Tyreek Hill.
Looking back a year ago, John Dorsey was willing to take more risks than most people likely remember. KeiVarae Russell’s plagiarism scandal and year-long suspension. DeMarcus Robinson’s four suspensions at Florida. Those were both taken before Tyreek Hill’s name was announced in the fifth round as the Chiefs selection, an incredibly fast player with a track background who also had a criminal record.
Hill entered the NFL with every indication he could do what the Chiefs would bear witness to during his rookie season. He had kick returns for touchdowns and punt returns for the same. He was featured as a rusher and receiver as well. It was speed, speed, speed. Unfortunately, Hill’s domestic violence charge and slight frame dropped him off some draft boards completely.
Measurements
5-10, 185 lbs.
Key college stats
Four special teams touchdowns in 2015.
What they said at the time
"“The former Oklahoma State Cowboy is a track star with big time explosiveness but only average football instincts. He can be an instant surge for their return game but has a ways to go as an NFL receiver.” -Mark Dulgerian"
One year later
Tyreek Hill is already a star in the NFL. He posted the fastest plays in the NFL last season, a testament to just how incredibly gifted he is as a runner. The Chiefs caught on midway through the season as to how explosive he can be, and they’ve admitted this offseason that they plan to feature Hill with many more snaps on offense.
Hill had 61 catches for 593 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. He rushed for another 267 yards and 3 touchdowns, averaging an incredible 11.1 yards/carry in the process. Hill also had 3 touchdown returns for the Chiefs, two on punts. He led the NFL in punt return yards, touchdowns and yards/return.
Despite being used sparingly in the early going, Hill was an instant success on special teams and earned a Pro Bowl and All-Pro nod in the process. Expectations are high heading into his second season with the Chiefs.
Summary
One of the most exciting offensive players in the NFL.