Tyreek Hill saw his usage surge at the end of the 2016 season. Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid wants it to take another leap in 2017.
"He was averaging 35 plays a game (in 2016)," Reid told SiriusXM NFL Radio's Kirk Morrison and Alex Marvez on Thursday. "Maybe he can double that or at least take it up a couple notches and allow him to get in more in a starting role."
Hill averaged 33.3 plays per game during the regular season, including special teams, per Next Gen Stats. From Week 9 through the Chiefs' playoff loss to Pittsburgh he averaged 38.9 plays per game, including special teams. Hill's season-high for plays came in a Week 12 win in Denver, when the jitterbug participated in 58 plays -- nine receptions for 51 yards, one rushing attempt for a 3-yard touchdown.
Hill officially started just one game his rookie season, but that should change in 2017.
"We use him a lot on special teams obviously," Reid said of the fifth-round draft choice, who was selected after a domestic violence incident. "When he came to us, that's what we originally thought we had. He then said, 'Listen I can do this offensive thing.' He's innately a smart kid. We kept adding to it and he got it.
"I'd expect him to learn that whole (playbook) by the end of all the OTAs and training camp and then be even more of a threat."
Hill's ability to take the top off the defense and force opposing players always to be aware of his presence in both the run and passing game opens Reid's entire game plan. Hill also makes K.C. much more explosive. Five of his 12 TDs on offense and special teams went for 68-plus yards. Even when he's not touching the ball Hill is a threat. Reid wants to ensure that weapon is on the field more in 2017.
