Nyheim Hines is a running back for the Indianapolis Colts from Garner, North Carolina. Though running backs tend to make their hay grinding between the tackles, Hines’ specialty comes as a receiver out of the backfield. He first showcased these talents at Garner High School. From there, he committed to North Carolina State, where he put his 4.38 40-yard dash time to good as a member of their track team (he placed third in the ACC outdoor track and field championships with a 10.34-second finish in the 100 meters). While a member of the Wolfpack in Raleigh, Hines delivered a 1,113-yard, 12 touchdown season on the ground on 197 carries. Hines flashed as a receiver too. In three collegiate seasons, he hauled in 89 balls, 43 of which coming as a sophomore. He also made good use of his speed as a return man on special teams, accumulating 2,306 yards and three touchdowns in that department.
Versatility made Nyheim Hines very attractive to NFL teams in the 2018 NFL Draft. There, the Indianapolis Colts selected him with the 104th overall selection of the draft in the fourth round. Hines has played with a different starting quarterback in every season of his four-year career, from Andrew Luck as a rookie to Jacoby Brissett to Philip Rivers to Carson Wentz this last season. Regardless, he’s still made an impact as a receiver. Hines has corralled at least 40 balls in every season of his career, and two with 63 receptions. He ranked 16th among running backs in yards per reception (7.8), yards per route run (1.63), and target share (11.4-percent). He also showcased his versatility even more by lining up all over the field; Hines’ 44 slot snaps finished third at the running back position.
Nyheim Hines isn't a between-the-tackles grinder, but they don’t need him to when they’ve got the incomparable Jonathan Taylor to do that. That doesn’t mean Hines can’t do it, however. His’ 4.7 true yards per carry ranked 11th among running backs in 2021, his juke rate (evaded tackles per touch) finished eighth at the position, and his 3.31 yards created per touch ranked 15th. Make no mistake about it; it’s Hines’ reliability as a receiver and durability that makes him such a trusted option out of the backfield. He has yet to miss a game in his career and averages 52.5 receptions a season. That’s what allowed the Colts to sign him to a three-year $18 million contract in 2021 and finish as the RB48 in fantasy last season despite playing just 31.3-percent of the team's snaps behind the great Taylor. Nyheim Hines is not going anywhere any time soon. More of the same production should follow him in the meanwhile.
