The Facts: Hill's time on the practice squad wasn't wasted. He improved to the point that HC Ron Rivera believes the New York Jets' 2012 second-round pick is ready to be a factor in 2015. "Very much so," Rivera said Wednesday. "He's a guy we feel has an opportunity. We're very excited about [seeing] Stephen during OTAs and mini-camp."

Diehards Line: Rivera went on to explain, "With his size (6-4, 215) and speed and his ability to get vertical, if he can assimilate to what we do -- and I think he will; he seems to be a very smart man - he might be a guy that has an opportunity to contribute for us." Hill is so close that Rivera doesn't feel the sense of urgency to draft a speed receiver. That doesn't mean the Panthers won't take one in the first couple of rounds if a receiver is the best player available. "It takes pressure off us, most certainly," Rivera said. "The big thing, we have a guy that potentially can contribute, and in a big way. And at the end of the day, you can sit back and say he was a second-round pick." The Jets had high expectations for Hill. But between his lack of production and a history of drops he never fulfilled those. He was cut at the end of training camp last season, and the Panthers were quick to stash him on their practice squad. And this year, because the roster isn't set, Hill has a chance to win a spot on his own merit.