The Cincinnati Bengals held the second to last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and after seeing a lot of names who could have been perfect fits getting plucked off the board one by one, they got their guy — Daxton Hill.
The Michigan product played in 14 games last year and racked up 69 tackles, eight defended passes, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks during that time. He was a great piece in the Wolverines’ secondary and now he’ll be bringing his talents to the Queen City.
This is a smart move for Cincy but it could mean that the team doesn’t plan to extend Jessie Bates, who is set to play on the franchise tag for the 2022 season. The organization has until July 15 to reach an agreement on an extension for Bates.
Vonn Bell is also slated to hit free agency a year from now, so adding a safety isn’t a bad move.
Bengals select Daxton Hill with 31st overall pick
Bengals don't trade. They stick and take Daxton Hill, DB, Michigan.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) April 29, 2022
Will fit in as third safety, nickel this year. Safety of the future with Bates likely gone next year.
Versatility and defense. Going to be themes of the weekend.
The addition of Hill not only gives the Bengals a nice option at safety but the position is going to be a strong need this time next year, especially with both Bates and Bell not guaranteed to be back in 2023.
The Draft Network notes that Hill’s ideal role is as a “starting free safety with the ability to play nickel” and that’s exactly where Cincy will put him this year.
Daxton Hill was a fringe 1st-round player, so not a huge reach here. He has the speed/frame to play on the outside and it wouldn't shock me to see him get outside CB reps. pic.twitter.com/JSqzh5J5CZ
— Andrew Russell (@Andrew_Russell7) April 29, 2022
Andrew Russell of PFF actually mentioned that he wouldn’t be shocked if the Bengals played Hill at cornerback on the outside and this might have been another reason they were drawn to him. He fills a position of need, is a good tackler, and is versatile.
Throw in the fact that the Bengals might lose both Bates and Bell next year and this pick makes a lot of sense.
"Cincinnati Bengals 2022 first-round mock draft"
How do you feel about the Daxton Hill selection, Bengals fans?