With the 31st overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals draft Daxton Hill, defensive back out of Michigan. The versatile defender from Michigan will be able to step in for any team and serve as a solid starter right away. He can play as a nickel corner or as a safety. His blazing speed and exceptional ability to anticipate route breaks will make him a tough draw for any pass catcher in the league. Let’s take a closer look at the Bengals’ newest defender.
Daxton Hill Highlights
Bengals Draft Daxton Hill | 2022 NFL Draft Profile
Daxton Hill
Position: Defensive Back
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 192 lbs
Age: 21
College: Michigan Wolverines
Daxton Hill Draft Profile
Strengths
One of Daxton Hill’s biggest strengths is his versatility. Hill can be used as either a nickel cornerback or a safety. He has incredible speed, as seen in his 4.38-second 40 time. Hill has an exceptional ability at anticipating route breaks and can see the routes develop all around the field. He’s also extremely talented in pursuit of the ball carrier.
Weaknesses
For as explosive as he is athletically, he lacks some of the desired traits as a tackler. He often has a hard time coming off blocks and gets stuck too often. Hill also makes it a habit of being too conservative at times in run support. He also gets caught trying to do too much at times and needs to learn to simply stick to his role.
RELATED | Full Daxton Hill NFL Draft Profile and Highlights
Daxton Hill Stats 2021 | Michigan Wolverines
Coverage Snaps: 444
Rec/Tgt: 48/68
Completion Rate: 70.5%
Yards Allowed: 456
TD/INT: 1/2
Passer Rating: 81.5
What to Expect From Daxton Hill in 2022
It’s clear Daxton Hill was drafted in the First Round to contribute to the Bengals’ defense immediately. So, look for him to play a solid role in this defense. He has the versatility to lineup in multiple places which will serve well for the defense. While he isn’t a great tackler, his speed allows him to stay on top of even the fastest receivers proving problems for pass catchers that try to simply out run the defense.