Count ESPN’s Mel Kiper as one of the biggest fans of the Cincinnati Bengals selecting Michigan safety Daxton Hill with the 31st pick in the 2022 NFL draft.
The pick and the instant analysis that followed came as a bit of a surprise for many onlookers. On the surface level, the Bengals already have three starting corners and two notables at safety with Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell.
But Hill’s elite athleticism, production and ability to play all over the place made him a can’t-miss fit for the Bengals coaching staff.
And Kiper, speaking after the pick went live, reinforced those ideas (h/t Dave Clark of the Cincinnati Enquirer):
“Great player. I was shocked he was still there. … The No. 1 safety coming out of high school. Flies to the football. He will come in and be an immediate impact performer. A guy who can get after the quarterback. … I don’t know what the kid’s lacking, guys. I thought he was one of the best 13, 14 players in this draft. Versatility – he’s perfect for the way the game’s played today in the National Football League. Daxton Hill, to me, one of the steals in the draft so far. Daxton Hill should’ve gone maybe 10-15 picks earlier.”
Hill’s ability to fly all over the field and play a variety of positions and schemes while matching up against a ton of different weapons made him pretty appealing to a Bengals coaching staff that wants to keep pace with the Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen-type passers in the AFC.
Given his natural ability, the Bengals will have Hill on the field early in a rotational role right away, where he’ll have a chance to prove believes like Kiper correct.
