Matt Sullivan - Getty Images
6 months ago: CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 20: Wide receiver Jason Hill #83 of the Jacksonville Jaguars catches a pass in front of defenders D'Qwell Jackson #52 and Joe Haden #23 the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 20, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos have not waited to try and improve the roster that took them to the AFC Divisional Round in 2011.
After signing guard C.J Davis today, the Broncos added a a player to a group with many questions around it.
The Broncos added Wednesday free agent receiver Jason Hill. Hill played in Jacksonville last year after being released late in November, after new Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was fired.
Hill is a 6'1, 190 pound receiver who was drafted by San Francisco in the third round of the 2007 entry draft. In the 2007 combine he ran the second fastest 40 time running a 4.32. His rookie season he only played in five games due to injury problems.
Hill played at Washington State University. He scored 32 touchdowns breaking the school record and is second on the Pac-10 All Time list. He had 2,704 yards and 148 catches.
Hill is a big addition for the fact that the Broncos receiving group is thin due to Eddie Royal being an unrestricted free-agent.
DENVER BRONCOS TRANSACTIONS (2/15/12)
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Signed (free agent) |
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Name |
Pos. |
Ht. |
Wt. |
Exp |
College |
Hometown |
|
Jason Hill |
WR |
6-1 |
192 |
5 |
Washington St. |
San Francisco |
Scouting Report (From SB Nation
Assets: Has elite athleticism and top-end speed, the needed ingredients of a pure deep-play threat. Is also very shifty. Runs routes well and can really take off if the defender misses his tackle.
Flaws: Has a history of inconsistency and doesn't always seem to be in-sync with his quarterback. Not a physical receiver and won't make the tough catch in heavy traffic.
Career Potential -- Speedy Receiver with great upside.
Also according to Rotoworld, Hill was released by the Jaguars due to problems with dropped passes and not being able to get open down the field.
0 recs | 88 comments
Ehh
camp body if that. Jags has TERRIBLE wr’s and he was cut from them?
Scotty Payne - February 15, 2012
Sounds like JDR has Fox's ear.
Agent Jerry Fletcher - February 15, 2012
JDR: I see Jason Hill ... and I think of Jerry Rice. It's so scary the simil...
I can’t think of a good Fox reaction. Help me out.
Zac Man - February 15, 2012
Have you been smokin' your lunch again Jack?
C’mon, get your head in the game man.
Digger24 - February 15, 2012
Are you nervous?
firstfan - February 15, 2012
"how funny, that guy is stealing Jacks hair gel and all he can talk about is how fast this guy can run to the bathroom and back."
Earthtiger24 - February 15, 2012
Good Lord
Foxy and Del Rio look like some mobsters in this pic. I can hear Del Rio now, saying… “ehh… fuhgitaboutit Foxy… this town IS big enough for dah two of us… SEEEEE.”
PaleHorse78 - February 16, 2012
they're part of the Bradfather contingent!
the new Bradfather - February 16, 2012
Too be fair to Hill
most people were shocked when they cut him. He was one of their best receivers at the time and was like 2nd or 3rd on the depth chart so it was a little weird that they cut him.
AlbertaBronc - February 15, 2012
It's only February and the phrase "camp fodder" is old already.
Thanks for the info AB….it’s nice to see someone give some insight instead of “camp fodder”. The more competition the better IMO
broncofaninIL - February 15, 2012
I agree. He was performing admirably. Well enough for me to ponder picking him up in fantasy for the byes.
That is until he got cut. I was quite surprised.
broncos7life - February 15, 2012
I think all of us who know the game were
the new Bradfather - February 15, 2012
Yes! Thank you. Just defending the so called "camp body"
broncos7life - February 16, 2012
Seems like he will try to fill the deep threat role.
Zac Man - February 15, 2012
thats what I was thinking.
He can probably be our no.4 WR. Just have him run some deep routes and see if he can get open, or draw some safetys/cb’s his way. As a No.4 he will have fresh legs throughout the game.
alkatraz76 - February 16, 2012
I really like Hill and he's got great potential
nice signing
AlbertaBronc - February 15, 2012
agree.
Jags may have bad receivers but they also have terrible QBs. this could be a really good signing. he was a starter with a lot of upside, still young, and he brings much needed speed. looks like a solid gamble with little to lose.
oxmouth - February 15, 2012
Thanks ox....good point. Gotta love speed!
broncofaninIL - February 15, 2012
I wouldn't call it a gamble necessarily
worst case scenario he’s camp fodder and it won’t hurt too much to cut him if he doesn’t make it. The Broncos need to bring in as much talent and competition to the receiver position as possible this offseason and this guy has potential.
AlbertaBronc - February 15, 2012
a good gamble is less of a gamble than a bad gamble, but i get your point. as far as competition, yeah, exactly. —i mean, really? there’s no chance this guy could beat out matt willis? hill might prove to be nothing more than camp fodder, but it’s not like the broncos have vintage harrison, wayne and stokely catching balls at the moment either.
oxmouth - February 15, 2012
Mike Thomas was an excellent receiver
but Gabbert really sucks, I’m inclined to believe he was the problem, SUNSHINE
the new Bradfather - February 15, 2012
did you just call me sunshine? i’ll take that as a compliment on my general disposition.
oxmouth - February 16, 2012
oh, it was Blaine Gabbert
but perhaps you are like Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way with a cheery disposition!
the new Bradfather - February 16, 2012
more like dick van dyke without the straw hat and dancing penguins.
oxmouth - February 16, 2012
I thought he was great at WSU...
I believe Jason Gesser (not a pro caliber QB) was their QB and he broke most of the school’s QB records throwing to him. Gesser was a not so athletic undersized Doug Flutie type QB, with a strong will to win. Hill could work out nicely. If not I’m sure they’ll just cut him, but I’m sure JDR thought he’d be a good fit. Sounds like Hill got cut around the same time that JDR got fired.
Puckhead1 - February 16, 2012
"Speedy reciever with great upside"
That would be a good thing…I’m done with my mini rant lol
broncofaninIL - February 15, 2012
Love that 40 time - we need speed!
BroncosRock! - February 15, 2012
Anyone else feeling like CARJAX west?
Trapped in O.C. - February 15, 2012 via Android app
I hear ya, but its to be expected that a coach would bring in guys he knows. Everyone keeps talking about shanny picking up royal, or marshal, or even trading for clady.
alkatraz76 - February 16, 2012
when Fox and Del Rio
were together, the Panthers were winners, the Pats beat them because of magic cameras in the press box, they nearly won a championship with Jake Delhomme, #benefitofthedoubt
the new Bradfather - February 16, 2012
Looks like another depth player
Decker and DT really looking like our top 2 WR’s, after that we are shallow, unless we bring Royal back or draft another WR. But if we do bring back Royal, we will have 3 very fast WR’s in DT, Hill and Royal.
Topher Doll - February 15, 2012
the home run
this maybe says we are keeping the deep ball as a focus of the attack, and by extension the read-option. reading into it too much? damn.
i still like this addition. hopefully, he can find out how to get open and catch the ball. then, we’ll have us something. until then he is darrius watts, pretty much.
davecheffy - February 15, 2012
Not sure
why I’ve seen so many people complain about this move. I love it. A nice veteran addition who has speed. It’s a nice find in my opinion.
Nick Cast - February 15, 2012
Agreed, there's nothing to complain about here
We were pretty thin at WR last year
ElwayFanJ - February 16, 2012
I agree. Should fill something akin to Gaffney’s role in the offense.
DoubleJay - February 16, 2012
same thoughts
idahobronc - February 16, 2012
I love this pick up
This guy as pretty good in jax I liked him its insurance if Eddie wants to leave. I could even see him beating out Eddie in tc if we resign him.
David Swanson - February 15, 2012 via mobile
Mmmm...Could this mean that David Gerrard is on his way?
One Panther, one Jaguar, now that is very interesting…
bfree2bronc - February 15, 2012
With chronic back problems?
Let him retire
ElwayFanJ - February 16, 2012
Just the facts man, just the facts...
bfree2bronc - February 15, 2012
Another Brandon Lloyd in the making?
That is to say, a player that can be revived. Not that I am expecting a 1,000 yard receiving season out of him. :)
KaptainKirk - February 16, 2012
If he can run decent routes and get open downfield with that speed
then Tebow will make him look decent. I’ll say this… he’ll have as many opportunities as he wants for that deep ball.
PaleHorse78 - February 16, 2012
Right, because if he could do that
He would have been spoken for…
Trapped in O.C. - February 16, 2012 via Android app
at least they are making moves...
“Never jump up and down in one place, its bad for the heart” haha
TRUTH_HURTS - February 15, 2012 via mobile
I like this pick up!
Who thinks Willis will make it again this year? Just curious..I am pretty sure Royal will be gone. Good to see we are making moves like this.
timmaybronco - February 15, 2012
Jason Hill is a big receiver
who has great potential IMO, he was with the Niners, it never worked out for him, nor did things work out in Jax, perhaps it’s the third time the charm
the new Bradfather - February 15, 2012
sounds all right
We do need a speed guy, although we’ve already got a couple of fast guys with high drop rates. Maybe he’s young enough that it’s something that can drastically improve this offseason. More curious about Dell, though.
tunesmith - February 16, 2012
hopefully
J-Hill doesn’t have a high-maintenance girlfriend OOPS did that come out loud?
the new Bradfather - February 16, 2012
So what if he dosent make the team
What would the damage be money wise? Does any one know?
CenCalBronco - February 16, 2012 via mobile
I see this as more insurance if we can't resign Eddie Royal
Might become our return guy
MileHighPride - February 16, 2012
Just a note
He has almost no return experience, with only 1 in his NFL career. He is fast though, so you never know.
Topher Doll - February 16, 2012
Let's hope he turns out to be another Brandon Lloyd turnaround story!
Broncotodd - February 16, 2012
Good depth signing, assuming we didn't give him some stupid contract
Also means we don’t have to reach in the draft or overpay Royal if someone else wants to give him more than we think he’s worth.
This is the type of signing that good teams make… you fill holes/depth, bring in competition, and don’t set yourself up where you have to have a certain player to be competitive.
Love it.
cjfarls - February 16, 2012
another diamond in the ruff
I thnk Hill another diamond in the ruff. Remember Loyd NEVER DID ANYHTING..then BOOM…and he is off and running…and if Eddie stays..and thats a big IF..Hill is a nicer pick up. What say you????
bronco4life - February 16, 2012
lloyd showed significant;y more promise than Hill
Lloyd was as a young player, recognized as having huge potential. He was a legitimate, if inconsistent and underperforming #1 WR on San Fran. Then the ’skins gave him a huge contract to be their compliment to Santana Moss. Many folks said he was basically uncoverable, and that he could make catches few others in the NFL could…
Living in DC and watching him sabotage drive after drive, he was perhaps the most frustrating receiver I ever saw, and folks around here will remember me as perhaps his biggest critic when Denver picked him up. Lloyd’s problems were all mental and attitude. He reportedly didn’t practice hard/study the playbook, he seemingly was reluctant to make tough catches in traffic (alligator arms when going over the middle), he avoided contact (often just going out of bounds short of the sticks), took stupid penalties in key situations, and had highly inconsistent hands (he’d make the circus catches, and then drop the one that hit him in the chest). He also was a Moss/Owens/Ochocinco-type WR diva in the lockerroom, always placing blame for his failures on the QB, or jobu, or santa clause…..
Lloyd seemingly finally grew up after being relegated to a #4/journeyman WR, where he finally got it through his thick skull that talent alone will not lead to success in the NFL. I’m proud of him for what he’s done the past couple years, because he was such an idiot the first 5-6 years of his career.
Hill doesn’t seem like that kind of guy to me. He’s not really a prima donna, and while his hands are similarly inconstent and may be improved, he generally doesn’t have that freakish body-control/ potential Lloyd did.
cjfarls - February 16, 2012
As for Brandon Lloyd
who made the playoffs and who didn’t, NFL “fans” who are strictly Fantasy geeks say he’s God, but did he really help the Rams that much? Demaryius Thomas helped us get to the playoffs and advance a round, did Brandon Lloyd ever do that? I have to say No, especially when Topher Doll, and others, seem to think Orton was a better QB than Tebow…(that’s not my opinion, but you see what I’m saying)
the new Bradfather - February 16, 2012
Lloyd is still the same WR Diva...
I lost all respect for the guy after what he said on 104.3 The Fan after being traded. He said he would rather get thrown to and have good numbers rather than be on a winning team. A couple weeks ago, Eric Decker was on The Fan and admitted himself that Lloyd was a “me player” and had a bad attitude. “Fox picked up on it and I think that is why he was traded.”
After hearing all of that, I am GLAD the dude is gone.
PThero40 - February 16, 2012
sounds like Lawyer Milloy
of course Lawyer’s Patriots championships are all DIRTY
the new Bradfather - February 16, 2012
Lloyd largely blossemed because of McD's offense
And proper motivation. I’m not saying it can’t happen with Hill, he has the tools, but we have to keep causation in mind.
Topher Doll - February 16, 2012
He was promising in 2010
and had 1-2 good early games in ‘11. I think he can be a playmaker, but he has dropp issues. Oh and he said last year that Darrelle Revis is overhyped before the Jaguars played the Jets. Luckily for him, he was injured so can’t play on that game…
Overall I think he is a good 3rd, 4th WR who can be a deep threat!
Zoltan from Budapest - February 16, 2012
He was our best receiver
but thats not saying much. dont expect him to be a breakout player waiting to happen because thats what we thought and it never happen. hes not a bad receiver but hes not good either so if he makes the roster he will be at best a rotation guy
Jaggaholic82 - February 16, 2012
well
if Eric Decker’s girlfriend lets go of his balls long enough so he can catch some balls during the games and Demaryius continues to develop, Jason Hill will fit right in as a 3rd option, I just have a mancrush on Eddie Royal, I’d hate to see him go, but it’s always nice conversing with Jags fans, I’ll be back at Big Cat Country soon
the new Bradfather - February 16, 2012
yeah hes suited to be an adequate third option
and yeah im usually not on here but i feel like denver has more former jags than anybody else in the league lol and come on back we could use some more reasonable thinkers lol
Jaggaholic82 - February 16, 2012
for sure
buddy, just as soon as free agency starts, I like Mr. Khan, who I call Mr. Pringles, he has gnarly hair!
the new Bradfather - February 16, 2012
he will be the face of the nfl
just because of his epic stache, he rivals brett kiesal and joe flacco for best facial hair in the NFl
Jaggaholic82 - February 16, 2012
Can he cover and tackle? Maybe he could play SS or CB?
AvalancheRescueDog - February 16, 2012
Brother... I feel ya there
I don’t have a clue what we’re going to do if Dawk retires. If this fanbase is feeling safe with Rahim Moore, Quinton Carter, David Bruton, and Rafael Bush, I think something is severely wrong. Don’t take me wrong man… I am a homer too… but let’s get real… we need some Safety help something awful. The odds are stacked against us if we’re all just waiting on Moore and Carter to become 10 year starters.
I may be wrong…. heck… I hope I am wrong…. but I don’t think our starting Safeties are on the roster yet. Possibly one of them is… and by all accounts, it would be Carter thus far. Moore was a non factor in too many games for my liking.
PaleHorse78 - February 16, 2012
sign
Steve Atwater and Dennis Smith’s sons to contracts NOW
the new Bradfather - February 16, 2012
Ya I think Carter is the only one I can see real potential in right now. I don’t want to write off Moore just yet, but he is going to need to show improvement ASAP if he wants to stay on the team since he doesn’t even play on special teams. Bruton is descent on ST, but seeing him bounce off Hernandez in the New England game displayed that he will never be more than average depth which at DB is a dime a dozen. Bush flashed some, but really needs to work on his overall awareness.
The safety position IMO, is probably our biggest position of need.
AvalancheRescueDog - February 16, 2012
Speed, speed, and more speed
This is an excellent signing… depth signing that is. Eddie Royal had his chances, and between his impotence, injuries and drops as a WR, it’s pretty easy to see he will be playing somewhere else next year. Ya never know though… they might be willing to pay him and let him be the sole RET.
PaleHorse78 - February 16, 2012
Eddie Royal's impotence?
so you’re saying he doesn’t perform at a high level anywhere, literally…
the new Bradfather - February 16, 2012
You do know Royal has had a MUCH better career than Hill?
Not saying we should keep Royal, but they are very similar players, but Royal has actually produced as a solid #3 WR and doesn’t have drop problems.
Topher Doll - February 16, 2012
royal had 5 drops and hill had 6. wasn’t hill targeted a lot more, too? i can’t find a drops/target site…
oxmouth - February 16, 2012
Looks like Hill did have more targets
But only slightly, but also in terms of total career, Hill’s been around a season longer but Royal has double the yards, more touchdowns and Royal actually has return production, while Hill only has one return in his NFL career. I’m fine with Royal leaving, but I’m not buying into the idea Hill will just be a great WR. He’ll make a nice slot WR if Royal leaves, and I hope he rips it up, but just looking at his past, I’m not sold on him being a star because he’s fast, that’s sounds like Oakland to me.
Topher Doll - February 16, 2012
yeah, i doubt we’re looking at a star—he would’ve shown more by now. just that eddie’s not been overly impressive to me since his rookie stint and seems to drop his share of balls too. thing is, i don’t even know that eddie and hill couldn’t both be here next year, if hill just ends up moving willis out. if we do have the exact same receiving corp going into game one next year, it’ll be a disappointment imo.
oxmouth - February 16, 2012
I agree Royal hasn't had a huge season since his rookie year
But even his worst seasons he was still a bigger force than Hill. I do think it wouldn’t hurt to have both players, mostly because we are really shallow at WR after Decker and DT. We either need to resign Royal and Hill or let Royal walk and draft a WR in the mid rounds.
Topher Doll - February 16, 2012
i’ve been down on eddie, but he showed good value as a returner this year and is probably worth keeping for that alone (plus WR depth) if the price is right. i could see us picking up a mid/late rounder, but we’ve got enough ‘youth’ there right now—i’d like to see the broncos find a veteran who can contribute like stokely or gaffney did. hill might have value if we just send him in a dead sprint up the sideline every play to distract a corner and a safety. :) and i’d like randy moss if we can get him without the attitude.
oxmouth - February 16, 2012
Attention all track stars!! Go run track!!
Assets: Has elite athleticism and top-end speed, the needed ingredients of a pure deep-play threat. Is also very shifty. Runs routes well and can really take off if the defender misses his tackle.
Flaws: Has a history of inconsistency and doesn’t always seem to be in-sync with his quarterback. Not a physical receiver and won’t make the tough catch in heavy traffic.
KoloradoKaos - February 16, 2012
that applies to James Jett
and Bryan Still, primarily, Willie Gault had some skills
the new Bradfather - February 16, 2012
Unfortunately the NFL is chalk full of track stars that are getting paid like professional football players.
I’m tiring of “great speed, great quickness, great hops, great athlete” but “lacks toughness, can’t catch, can’t hold onto the ball, questionable work ethic, and or not a team player”.
KoloradoKaos - February 16, 2012
what about Laurent Robinson?
he’s swift but he can catch the ball, even when Tony Romo is his QB
the new Bradfather - February 16, 2012
catch the ball? Good. Sign him up.
KoloradoKaos - February 17, 2012
Look
I don’t see us spending any money on WR as long as Tebow is QB. Find some role guys that are fast and can get open after 10 minutes of scrambling. Focus on the defense and the o-line and that is what we will have to rely on to win. A good WR is not going to make Tebow much better.
waterboy31321 - February 16, 2012
How are his hands? Can he catch the ball?
I can’t tell if these signings are just bodies for TC or if they can be counted on to improve the bottom of the roster. Either way, there’s certainly room for improvement down there, and I like the personnel groups they have addressed so far (OL and WR).
boanst - February 16, 2012
He has struggles with drops
Coming in 1st with drops per attempts in the division and in the top 5 for the AFC. He has potential, but he isn’t known for his hands, rather for his speed.
Topher Doll - February 16, 2012
I remember someone like that...
Troy Williamson anyone? I was at the game in ’07 when he completely burned whoever was covering him… only to drop the wide open pass. That easily would have gone for a 80+ yard TD. Ended up being a great game to close the season (out of the playoffs again though)
PThero40 - February 16, 2012
Williamson was on Vikings btw
PThero40 - February 16, 2012
Minnesota 05-07
Jacksonville 08-09
broncosfan1129 - February 16, 2012
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