When will Chris Hilton Jr. stay healthy?
This is the question LSU fans asked every summer of his college career. It was a valid one, as the 6-foot, 188-pound wide receiver missed multiple games over the course of his five-year tenure at the college. As a freshman in 2021, Hilton suffered a torn meniscus in both his knees. He missed most of 2022 due to a torn labrum and appeared in only six games in 2024 due to an ankle injury. Hilton played primarily on the outside during his time with the Tigers
but never ran more than 149 routes in a single season.
The injuries limited his production. The speedy wide receiver failed to post more than 13 receptions in a season, but Hilton Jr. made the most of them. He averaged 19.0 yards per reception, and five of his six career TDs came on plays of 40 yards or more. Boasting a 4.41-second 40-yard dash with a 1.57-second 10-yard split, there is no denying Chris’ ability to stretch the field vertically.
| Receiving | Rushing | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Rec | Yds | Y/R | TD | Y/G | Att | Yds | TD | Y/G | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD | Awards |
| 2021* | LSU | SEC | FR | WR | 4 | 2 | 81 | 40.5 | 1 | 20.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 2 | 81 | 40.5 | 1 | |
| 2022* | LSU | SEC | FR | WR | 4 | 7 | 109 | 15.6 | 0 | 27.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 7 | 109 | 15.6 | 0 | |
| 2023* | LSU | SEC | SO | WR | 11 | 13 | 225 | 17.3 | 2 | 20.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 13 | 225 | 17.3 | 2 | |
| 2024* | LSU | SEC | JR | WR | 6 | 9 | 243 | 27.0 | 3 | 40.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 9 | 243 | 27.0 | 3 | |
| 2025* | LSU | SEC | SR | WR | 13 | 10 | 122 | 12.2 | 0 | 9.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 10 | 122 | 12.2 | 0 | |
| Career | 38 | 41 | 780 | 19.0 | 6 | 20.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 41 | 780 | 19.0 | 6 | |||||
The former high school track star has the tendency to unnecessarily jump on his receptions, which is a trait that can lead to injuries and was famously called out by LSU coach Brian Kelly on the sidelines of a game. His route running is also understandably unpolished which Lance Zierlein notes in his draft profile.
“There are basic route corrections he can make to better open underneath throws. He has adequate ball skills downfield but comes up empty when contested. When you combine his sparse production with his injury history, it doesn’t inspire confidence, but speed sells, giving Hilton a chance to outplay his draft slotting.”
Still, Hilton Jr. has the ability to track the ball downfield and make adjustments, which, paired with his speed, makes for some impressive highlights.
Savvy viewers will note No. 5 behind center in the reel, as Hilton played with now Commanders quarterback and LSU product Jayden Daniels during the 2022-2023 seasons. Hilton also has another connection with the team; former Washington head coach Jay Gruden coached the LSU prospect in the Hula Bowl and endorsed the undrafted free agent’s signing. All told, Hilton Jr. played in four different postseason college all-star games, which is the most by any player in college history. Along with his athletic traits, Chris is considered a high-character player who prides himself on his high football IQ.
At first glance, the depth chart makes a spot on the final roster seem unlikely. The team extended Treylon Burks and added Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson in free agency during the offseason. Last year’s undrafted free agents, Ja’Corey Brooks and Jacoby Jones, are also returning. That said, Hilton’s vertical threat ability is unique among the undrafted free agents. Veterans Brown and Jefferson offer similar ability, but Brown is inconsistent, and Jefferson is heading into the twilight of his career. Importantly, neither is signed for a significant amount of guaranteed money, and the team can easily move on from either one for a better option.
If Hilton Jr. wants a spot this year, he is going to have to catch Larry Izzo’s eye, as neither Brown nor Jefferson are known for their special teams ability. Hilton has some limited ability on punt returns but played more special teams his senior season at LSU and could make a capable gunner. He also worked out in defensive back drills at LSU’s pro day, which demonstrates a willingness to do whatever he can to make the team. It will take good health and a lot of hard work to stick on the final roster, but Hilton’s work ethic has already caught the eye of at least one member of the Commanders’ special teams units.
