Daxton Hill could wind up timing as one of the fastest safety prospects at the NFL Combine. in the secondary. Nobody should be surprised to see him sneak into the top 24. Hill could be viewed as a better fit at cornerback by NFL scouts, with the ability to provide some snaps at safety. That’s going to be a hit to his IDP stock, though, as generally, cornerbacks don’t register high tackle numbers.
College Recruitment
Hill was a 5-star recruit from Booker T. Washington High school in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He received offers from some of the top college football programs: Michigan, Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, and more were all interested.
Profile
- School: Michigan
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 188-192
- Age: 22
- Position: Cornerback/Free Safety
- Year: Junior
- 40 time estimate: 4.53-4.59
- Draft Projection: Round 1 – Early Round 2
- Rookie Dynasty Draft Grade: 4th Round
- NFL Comparison: Justin Reid
College Career
Hill played immediately for Michigan as a true freshman. It’s easy to understand why the Michigan Wolverines coaching staff felt comfortable having him out there. When I watched an interview with him on Go Blue TV, he was very articulate and willing to assist younger players. That speaks to him being an excellent teammate and receptive to coaching. That kind of attitude will take him a long way.
Ideally, if you’re looking at the numbers only, you could be wondering where the interceptions are. However, from his freshman season to his junior season, his passes defended stat jumped from three to eight, increasing 166.67%.
Honors
- 2021 All Big 10 Defense Team
- Michigan Fall Academic
Positives
Film Study – On multiple occasions, while watching Hill on film, you will see him tap players and readjust them into the correct spot. That’s no small feat, and it requires diligent film study and preparation.
Fluidity – Able to turn and flip his hips extremely well.
Physical – Doesn’t shy away from contact, drives through offensive players.
Speed – Fast enough to run with receivers down the field and play the deep middle of the field.
NFL Bloodlines – Brother Justice Hill plays for the Baltimore Ravens. Acclimating to the NFL should be much easier for Daxton with his brother already in the NFL.
Blitzing – Reads where the play is going well and blows plays up in the backfield. Hill perfectly times up his run blitz on this play, which puts the offense into second and long. Tyler Goodson, the running back for Iowa, never had a chance on the play.
That is exactly how you want to see a safety blitz on a play, don’t over-pursue and allow the running back to cut back. He hits Tyler Goodson before he can gain some momentum.
Negatives
Technique – Hill will need to get his technique improved at the NFL level, he can tend to not look back for the football, and when the receiver goes for the ball he can get a little sloppy allowing himself to get beat or get flagged for pass interference.Hill has to do a better job of staying in the wide receiver’s hip pocket and getting his head around to be in a position to make a better play on the ball.
He’s forced to tackle the receiver to prevent a touchdown, resulting in a pass interference penalty.
Tackling – Needs to get better at getting the offensive players on the ground, allowing progress to continue at times.
Getting Off Blocks – Gets stuck on blocks, needs to do a much better job shedding and making the play.
IDP Potential
Ultimately, Hill’s home in the NFL is probably a free safety. However, he could begin his career as a CB, depending on the scheme he is drafted to play in. He will be a good safety once he gains some NFL experience under his belt. Hill is a later-round IDP investment that could turn into a valuable reserve safety for your fantasy team.
Conclusion
Hill is a lunch pail kind of defensive player. He isn’t an overly flashy player but wants to help any of his teammates that he can. Sometimes, it can take a couple of seasons with safeties before they become a consistent starter. That’s not to be unexpected, though. Hill leads by example, which will endear him to his new teammates.
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