Bengals add to safety group with Daxton Hill at No. 31
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Michigan safety Daxton Hill in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 31 overall.
Safety wasn't one of Cincinnati's most glaring needs, but the team needed to add a long-term option at the position. Vonn Bell is entering a contract year, while Jessie Bates was hit with the franchise tag and has yet to agree to an extension.
Hill will add a versatile element behind Bell and Bates. The former Wolverines standout can line up deep, in the slot, or as a blitzer.
The 21-year-old was named a first-team All-Big Ten selection after producing 69 total tackles and two interceptions last season.
Scouting profile: Daxton Hill
| School | Height | Weight | 40 time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 6'0 | 191 | 4.38 |
Hill is another prospect who did whatever the scheme asked of him. Roaming the deep middle is no difficult task, but Hill will really make his money with his versatility - especially as a slot defender, which is how he made a name for himself at Michigan. The instinctive defensive back clues in while in zone coverage and has the athleticism to stick in man coverage while in the slot. His blazing speed also made him a dangerous blitzer. He is undersized, which hurts him in one-on-one jump-ball situations, but his motor helps cover up this flaw in the box. While he contributed to the Wolverines in multiple ways, his true calling might be in the slot where his skills will be put on full display.