Justice Hill

Summary

Justice Hill was selected in Round 4 (#113 Overall) in the 2019 Draft out of Oklahoma State University. Hill is a compact, explosive running back known for his elite combine/testing metrics, play‑making ability in space, and production at Oklahoma State. At approx. 5’10”, ~198 lbs, he combined agility, burst, and vision. Hill’s college resume includes over 3,500 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns, showing consistency across three years. He projects most naturally as a change‑of‑pace back or one‑cut burst tail who can threaten defense horizontally and vertically, though questions persist about his size, durability, and every‑down blocking/remain.

Strengths

  • Elite explosion and burst: Hill posted excellent testing marks (e.g., 4.40 sec 40‑yard dash) and showed suddenness through holes and in open field.

  • Miss‑ability in space / change‑of‑direction: He demonstrates above‑average cut‑back ability, agility to make defenders miss one‑on‑one, and acceleration into open grass. Bleacher Report

  • Proven production and ball security: At OSU he produced over 3,500 yards rushing and 30 touchdowns over his career, and was noted for “almost no fumbles” during his three seasons. Bleacher Report

  • Versatility in usage: While primarily a runner, he also showed receiving ability and can contribute in diverse roles (screens, outside‑burst, change‑of‑pace). NFL Mocks

  • High‑motor, dependable character: Scouting reports praised his toughness, football IQ, and readiness to contribute. Bleacher Report

Weaknesses

  • Size and durability concerns: At under 200 lbs and with a compact frame, Hill’s ability to absorb big workloads or carry as a featured back every down is questioned.

  • Limited role between the tackles / power running: He can struggle when he lacks space or when asked to run through heavier defenders, and his upright running posture can hurt leverage. Bleacher Report

  • Pass protection and receiving refinement: While versatile, his blocking and route/catching ability weren’t as polished as elite three‑down backs coming into the league.

  • Narrow separation as a deep threat: Might lack top‑end home‑run burner speed and may not consistently outrun elite defenders deep. Bleacher Report

  • Scheme‑specific projection and role risk: Viewed more as a “complementary” back rather than a sure‑fire lead back; how he fits in a given offense matters significantly.

Fit & Outlook

Justice Hill fits best in an offensive scheme that incorporates multiple backs and allows him to exploit his burst, change‑of‑direction, and ability to generate yardage in space. He is particularly well‑suited for a role where the offense uses motion, outside runs, screens, or one‑cut zone runs rather than asking him to constantly grind between the tackles behind a heavy front. Offenses that rotate their backs and emphasize speed, space, and passing inclusion will maximize his value. Outlook‑wise, his floor is as a valuable rotational contributor—someone who can provide a spark, handle change‑of‑pace duties, and increase offensive diversity. With development, he has the upside to become a high‑end No. 2 back or possibly more if his blocking improves, his body holds up, and he earns more touches. The key for his upside will be durability, improved pass‑pro/receiving skills, and landing in an offense that plays to his strengths rather than asking him to be a prototypical three‑down, bell‑cow back. If everything aligns, he could evolve into a consistent contributor with 700‑900+ all‑purpose yards; if not, he may remain a situational or specialized piece.