Summary

Daxton Hill was selected in Round 1 (#31 Overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Michigan. A former five-star recruit, Hill was a key contributor on Michigan’s playoff-caliber defenses, finishing his collegiate career with 119 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 9 passes defended. In 2021, he earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors and was named a Consensus All-American, recognized for his versatility, athleticism, and ability to play multiple roles in the secondary. In the NFL, Hill has transitioned from a rotational safety/nickel role into a more defined position within Cincinnati’s secondary. Through the 2024 season, he has appeared in 40+ NFL games, contributing tackles, coverage snaps, and positional flexibility across safety and corner alignments. Hill is widely regarded as a high-character, intelligent, and team-oriented professional, praised for his work ethic, adaptability, and willingness to accept evolving roles while continuing to develop his game.

Strengths

• Elite Athleticism: Exceptional speed, range, and change-of-direction ability based on his 22.60 Athletic Score. Accelerates rapidly to limit yards after catch.

• Versatility: Experience at free safety, slot corner, and dime defender. Matches quick receivers and tight ends with fluidity and serves as a valuable chess piece in sub-packages and disguised coverages.

• Coverage Range: Covers large areas of the field and is equally effective in split-safety and man-match concepts. Understands route combinations and leverage responsibilities.

• Tackling in Space: Willing, competitive finisher when arriving under control.

Weaknesses

• Role Consistency: While a chess piece and versatile, his jack-of-all-trades skillset has contributed to him not yet settling into a single, clearly defined position.

• Physicality vs. Size: Can be challenged by bigger receivers and tight ends. Occasionally relies on speed rather than anticipation.

• Ball Production Translation: Athletic traits exceed interception totals at the NFL level. Processing can lag against misdirection-heavy offenses.

• Run Defense Strength: Can be sealed or displaced when playing in the box.

Outlook

Hill is best suited for multiple, modern defensive schemes that value speed, versatility, and coverage flexibility in the secondary. He thrives in systems that allow defensive backs to rotate post-snap, play match coverage, and disguise intentions, rather than locking players into static roles. Hill’s athleticism is maximized when he is allowed to operate in space, cover ground, and match dynamic receivers rather than consistently playing downhill against power. Looking ahead, Hill projects as a long-term starting defensive back with ascending value if role clarity continues to develop. Whether as a full-time free safety, nickel corner, or hybrid matchup defender, his athletic profile gives him a high ceiling as a coverage-focused playmaker. Continued growth in instincts, physical strength, and ball production will determine whether he becomes a solid starter or a true impact defender, but his tools and character strongly support sustained NFL success.