Is the Undersized Daxton Hill a Possibility for the Steelers with the 20th Pick?

This franchise still needs a safety! Could Daxton Hill be the answer? Welcome to the pre-draft season!  Leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft starting on April 28th, we will be releasing draft profiles of prospects who could potentially see themselves on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Next up, you guessed it…

Daxton Hill (Safety), Michigan, Junior 

OVERVIEW

Hill, although labeled as a safety, is truly the definition of a defensive back in this draft. He has shown throughout his career at Michigan that he can play both safety and slot corner, something the Steelers have shown to covet with Minkah Fitzpatrick and Tre Norwood. While there are size concerns for Hill as a safety, 6'0", 192 lbs, he has shown a toughness in his play. Hill tested extremely well at the NFL Combine in February, putting his name in the discussion for the second day safety drafted, as well as a late first round possibility.  

PROS

VERSATILITY. He can provide depth or starting capabilities at both safety and slot corner. He is willing to put his body on the line and be a forceful tackler even though he lacks ideal safety size. World class athletic traits to pair with great anticipation and route recognition. Historically productive in both zone and man coverage schemes.

via NFL Next Gen Stats

CONS

Lacks ideal bulk at the safety position, which allows bigger blockers to take advantage of him. He's more of a shoulder tackler than a wrap up defender, leaving too much room for a broken tackle opportunity. There's a strong possibility he ends up as a corner versus safety, so depends what you are looking for. Versatility can be a curse if he cannot master one position.

DRAFT PROJECTION: Late 1st or 2nd round 

OUTLOOK

Hill is someone that I have mocked to the Steelers given they have yet to address the position in free agency. Using the 20th pick on Hill isn't something I would be a fan of because this feels like the same decision they made when selecting Terrell Edmunds, who is currently a free agent because the Steelers declined his 5th-year option. Although, he isn't someone I would be surprised seeing called with the 20th pick since he checks all of the boxes for the Steelers brass. Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert attended Michigan's Pro Day, Hill tested incredibly well at the combine, played for a Power 5 conference, entering the draft early as a junior, and has position flexibility as a safety/slot corner. It does make sense.

Would you want to see Hill in the black and gold?  Let us know in the comments below!

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