Fantasy Football: What to Do with New York Jets' New Starting WR Stephen Hill

Rex Ryan named rookie wide receiver Stephen Hill to start opposite Santonio Holmes for the New York Jets this season, according to Mike Vorkunov of The Star-Ledger.

However, he should not be named as a starter for your fantasy team just yet.

Hill, a height-weight-speed specimen from Georgia Tech, is expected to start for a team that failed to score a single offensive touchdown through the first three games of the preseason.

New York wants to run the ball, limiting opportunities for Hill to make plays in the passing game. The team was 16th in the NFL in rushing attempts last season.

The Jets likely would have placed higher in the rushing attempts category if they weren’t 29th in yards per attempt in 2011. That philosophy probably won’t change with the addition of a rookie wide receiver to the starting lineup.

It definitely won’t change with the inclusion of Tim Tebow in the team’s offensive plans, if the Denver Broncos’ 2011 campaign is any indication.

Hill had a decent preseason, recording nine receptions for 106 yards in three games.  But it’s not deficiencies in his ability that causes him to be a recommended fantasy bench option.

He led New York in both categories.

However, the Jets have glaring weaknesses on the offensive line, and the Buffalo Bills will more than likely force Mark Sanchez into making mistakes in Week 1.

There won’t be a lot of time for the raw rookie to get open down the field. Unless the Jets get the ball to Hill on short routes, he may find himself filling the role of a decoy and blocker during the early part of the season.

Hill’s potential makes him worth a speculative fantasy addition in deeper leagues. He may produce some big plays this year, but his predictability (and fantasy reliability) is a major question mark right now.