NFL Draft: Are the Chicago Bears Targeting Stephen Hill?
Published by Michael Gibbons on March 8, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith had lunch with wide receiver Stephen Hill on Tuesday.
According to the reports, the lunch happened after Georgia Tech’s pro-day.
Hill turned some heads at the NFL combine with his blazing 4.36 40-yard dash and being measured at 6’4″ makes it even more impressive.
While it isn’t unusual for a coach to have lunch with a prospect it does show the Bears have interest in Hill. Even more interesting is that Hill is projected as a late first round pick and it could be a reach to take him with the 19th overall pick.
Both Mel Kiper and Todd McShay have him going 30th to the 49ers in the draft and each have him as the fourth receiver taken behind Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd and Kendall Wright.
Wright disappointed at the combine so if he doesn’t have an outstanding pro day there is a chance that Hill could pass him as the third receiver taken.
Hill would most definitely give Jay Cutler that big target that can also be a deep threat but the question with Hill is if he is ready to contribute immediately?
During his three seasons at Georgia Tech he caught only 49 passes in a run heavy offense. However he did turn the 28 passes he caught last season into 820 yards for an average of almost 30 yards per catch.
Hill is working out with former Falcons receiver Terance Mathis who played in the NFL for 13 seasons and caught nearly 700 balls including a career best 11 in 1994.
Because of his size, Hill is being compared to another big Georgia Tech receiver who the Bears are very familiar with, Calvin Johnson. Hill actually compares himself to Johnson when asked.
If the Lions can have Megatron maybe the Bears could have their own Ironhide or Bumblebee.
With Hill set to turn 21 the day before the NFL draft it would sure be a nice present to give him a QB like Cutler who will appreciate his skills.
I know personally as a fan, if the Bears end up with either Hill or Floyd I will be a very happy guy but what do you think? Sound off below.
Make sure to follow me on Twitter @dachicagofan, and check out my weekly Bears podcast every Monday on my site The MG Experience.
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