Summary

B.J. Hill is a defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. He was selected in the 3rd round, 69th overall of the 2018 NFL Draft out of the NC State Wolfpack. With the First Pick At 6′3″ and 311 lbs, Hill brings a stout frame and significant interior line experience. ESPN.com

Strengths

• Run‑defense stoutness & gap control: Hill has consistently been effective at stuffing runs and occupying blockers. In 2024, he posted a strong run‑stop rate and ranked among interior defenders in that metric. Cincy Jungle

• Reliable motor & effort: Evaluations from his college days note his hustle, ability to flow to the ball, and willingness to finish plays. With the First Pick

• Solid size, strength and anchor ability: Hill has the build to hold his ground inside, engage double teams, and serve as a key piece in the interior trench. Bleacher Report

• Versatility in defensive front: While primarily a 3‑tech/tackle, Hill has shown he can align in different spots inside, giving defensive coordinators flexibility.

Weaknesses

• Pass‑rush production & special‑moves: While competent, Hill has never been among the very elite interior pass‑rushers. Scouts at his draft time noted his move‑set was limited and burst off the snap wasn’t elite. Bleacher Report

• Explosiveness / initial burst: Some reports flagged that although he has good hips and movement for his size, he lacked top‑tier explosiveness, which limits some high‑end playmaking potential. With the First Pick

• Leverage / pad level consistency: While strong, there were concerns about his ability to anchor consistently when blockers gained leverage or when double‑teamed. The Falcoholic

• Ceiling somewhat capped by role: Given his profile, Hill’s projection was more as a reliable interior defender rather than a dominant three‑down disruptor. His true ceiling has been seen as solid, but not necessarily “elite” without further evolution. Bleacher Report

Fit & Outlook

Hill projects as a very dependable interior defensive lineman. His strength is in maintaining consistency, anchoring run defense, and serving as a foundational piece on the interior.

• Short‑term: He will continue to be a starter inside for the Bengals, expected to handle heavy snaps, make consistent contributions and be one of the more reliable DLs in the rotation.

• Medium‑term: If he enhances his pass‑rush moves and increases those impact plays (sacks, pressures), he could elevate from “reliable starter” to “top interior defender” status.

• Floor vs Ceiling:

  • Floor: A solid starting defensive tackle who plays major snaps, is stout vs the run, and delivers good value.

  • Ceiling: A high‑end interior lineman capable of disrupting both run and pass at a top tier; however, this requires some uptick in pass‑rush output.

• Key for next step: Development of more consistent and varied pass‑rush technique, maintaining/leverage improvements, staying healthy, and continuing to win at the point‑of‑attack.