2022 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Daxton Hill

Range

There were many times where Hill impressed when working sideline to sideline. Whereas with working downhill, this defender appears to catch opposing pass catchers or ball carriers off guard. It is his burst that stuns them the most. When flipping his hips and turning to run down the field, Hill gains leverage and depth, while continuing to keep plays in front of him. His recovery ability is extremely rapid, in the case that a player was to get behind him.

Football IQ

Hill has an innate ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and shoulders. Before they are seemingly ready to pull the trigger, he has a great idea of where the football is being thrown. This is all based on what he sees with their movements and nuances within the pocket. Hill has a great understanding of body positioning and landmarks. For instance, he is rarely out of position and is ready to make a play.

In coverage, Hill rarely bites on fakes or double moves from opposing receivers. He stays locked in and square to the receiver. At the same time, Hill works to read their chest and hips, helping him decide which side or shoulder to attack. The defensive back could improve his urgency when it comes to attacking with his tackling. This largely shows up when Hill is working downhill, as his finish can be inconsistent.

Coverage Skills

There may be a bit more comfort in man coverage for Hill, as things currently stand. He is subdued when mirroring the opposing receiver. Giving them a bit of extra cushion early on in the route does not distract him. Because in the end, Hill gains leverage when you see him sink his hips and then he will extend his arms fully at the point of attack. He maintains solid eye discipline when matched up with the receiver one on one. For example, Hill does not get caught watching the football too early. That should not discount his ability to adjust and find the football. His processing speed is especially fluid.

In zone coverage, Hill has a click and close ability that is ultra-efficient. There are not much wasted movements from him in space. Furthermore, the Michigan product exudes sneaky good power when flying toward the catch point looking to break up the pass. Coaches will love how patient he is in zone coverage. Basically, Hill sits and waits until the receiver gives an indication on which path he is taking. His change of direction skills and lateral mobility truly shine in those moments.

Competitiveness

I would not categorize Hill as an undersized defender. However, his aggression and tenacity against bigger bodied pass catchers popped on tape. His versatility factor is obviously nice for just being able to use him in different roles. Yet, it is the excitement and confidence that he shows in those areas that will make whichever defense drafts him very happy. That compete level really shines when he is getting a chance to rush the passer on a defensive back blitz. The same can be said when Hill gets an opportunity to press near the line of scrimmage from the slot. He is not necessarily loud or boisterous. Simply put, Hill displays a lead by example type of mentality when patrolling the field.

Ball Skills

Hill is not horrible in this area. Working on little things within his technique and at the catch point is much needed, though. Hill must improve on getting his arms or hands extended away from his frame. There is still a lot to like from his game at the top of routes, nonetheless.

Hill’s feistiness will certainly turn heads early on in his career. He is also rather fine-tuned when it comes to timing up receivers at the end of their stems and with being able to track the football. Developing more tricks or shortcuts throughout his technique could result in even more ball production moving forward.

Tackling

Going back to earlier, Hill will need to have more consistency when working downhill. He can stop his feet and lose his base. Or, Hill becomes a catcher, so to speak, and lets ball carriers or pass catchers lay into him a bit. He is actually much better when needing to make stops in space and when moving laterally. Of course, that will not always be the case for defensive backs coming into the NFL.

CHIEFS FIT

As of this moment, we still do not know if the Kansas City Chiefs will be able to retain Tyrann Mathieu in free agency. Daxton Hill would immediately become a fit as a possible replacement. He can actually fill a role similar to that of Mathieu, if the Honey Badger does decide to play elsewhere. The ability to play free safety, nickel corner and near the line of scrimmage allow Hill to use his top traits to his advantage. The more he works in space, the more we see that elite athleticism and significant awareness.

Say Mathieu does return to the Chiefs. It still would not be a bad idea to add someone with this kind of versatility. Kansas City simply needs to get faster and more athletic in all three levels of the defense. Adding a player of Hill’s caliber would allow the Chiefs to mask their defensive problems in more ways than one with just a few quick changes, to say the least.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs draft prospect profiles throughout the rest of the spring. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.