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Indianapolis Colts: T.Y. Hilton’s 2016 Player Preview

By Kyle Nishida

Oct 25, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) catches a long pass for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at Lucas Oil Stadium. New Orleans defeats Indianapolis 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) catches a long pass for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at Lucas Oil Stadium. New Orleans defeats Indianapolis 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Indianapolis Colts Training Camp does not start until July 26th. So, there will not be much news about the team until then. As a result, it is time to preview the Colts’ players who will play key roles in 2016. Now it is T.Y. Hilton’s turn.

It was around this time last year that Hilton was negotiating with the Indianapolis Colts for a contract extension. Eventually, Hilton got a five-year $65 million deal. After the new contract, Hilton put together a solid 2015 season.

He accumulated 69 receptions, 1,124 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He continued to show off his reliable hands by only dropping one pass all season. The scarier part about Hilton’s 2016 season is that his numbers could have been even better.

More from Andrew Luck

Obviously, Hilton had to deal with thing that he could not control. First of all, he did not have Andrew Luck throwing the ball to him for over half the season. While Matt Hasselbeck was serviceable backup, he could not drive the ball down the field to utilize Hilton’s speed.

As a result, Hilton was used more as a possession receiver and could not break as many big plays as he wanted to. He actually voiced his frustration during the season at one point.

At the same time, Hilton had to play through knee bruises and multiple leg injuries. However, he still suited up in every game last season for the Indianapolis Colts.

The fact Hilton still managed to put up solid statistic while facing a lot of adversity is astonishing. Now, with his nagging injuries fully healed and Andrew Luck returning, Hilton could be prime for an exciting 2016 season.

2016 Expectations

T.Y. Hilton is by far the Indianapolis Colts’ best receiver, and he is just entering the prime of his career. At age 26, Hilton is still getting faster and stronger despite only being 5’10” tall.

The fact that Hilton continues to improve makes it very likely he will surpass the 1,000-yard receiving mark in 2016. If Luck stays healthy, Hilton could probably reach the 1,300-yard receiving mark. He eclipsed that mark in 2014.

Meanwhile, Hilton averages six receiving touchdowns per season. It would not be shocking to reach that number again in 2016 and possibly, surpass it. It is probably too much of a stretch to expect Hilton to hit the 10-touchdown mark because the Colts have other weapons that need the ball.

However, Hilton has big-play potential every time he touches the ball. With that sort of skill set, anything is possible. It also helps having one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks throwing to you too.

Hilton’s success is dependent on the quarterback. If Luck is giving enough time in the pocket, he and Hilton can rediscover the magical chemistry they had in 2014.

Next: Colts: Vontae Davis’ 2016 Player Preview

Hilton is not regarded as one of the league’s best players because let’s face, he is not the most physically intimidating wide receiver. However, Hilton is one of the quickest and fastest receivers in the NFL. His speed and quickness should set him up for another successful season with the Indianapolis Colts.

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