After Kyle Hamilton, there are a number of players in discussion for the next best safety with former University of Michigan safety Daxton Hill part of that group. Let’s take a closer look at the player and how he might fit on the Buffalo Bills
Measurables/Stats
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 191 pounds
Arms: 32 1/4″
Hands: 9 1/2″
Daxton Hill played in 30 games over three seasons at the University of Michigan. He would finish his college career with 149 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, four interceptions, and 15 passes defended.
Last season, Hill had career highs in tackles (69), tackles for a loss (4.5), interceptions (2), and passes defended (8).
NFL.com Scouting Report by Lance Zierlein
"Hybrid safety/nickel with an outstanding blend of speed, explosiveness and coverage versatility. Hill is a smooth, twitchy athlete who is unencumbered in his coverage movements. He’s rangy playing over the top, has the eyes and burst to play zone, and the oily hips and length to shade bigger slots in man coverage. He can trigger quickly downhill to cut off angles in run support but his play demeanor is more run-and-cover than run-and-hit near the line. Hill has premium athletic traits, enticing coverage talent and the ability to make plays on the ball from anywhere he is aligned. He’s sure to be a coveted target for defenses trapped in pass-happy divisions."
How Daxton Hill fits with the Buffalo Bills
If the Buffalo Bills don’t want to trade up for Kyle Hamilton and there is a run on cornerbacks and wide receivers early, a player like Daxton Hill could make sense. While safety isn’t necessarily a pressing need this year, it could be down the road as Jordan Poyer is entering the final year of his current contract and both Poyer and Hyde are on the wrong side of 30.
If the Bills draft Hill, he could be the eventual replacement for one of those two.
Until that time comes, Hill could contribute at the cornerback position as Lance Zierlein notes in his scouting report. While the Bills don’t necessarily need a nickel corner, they might try him on the outside and he could play there until Tre’Davious White is ready to return. After that, he could compete with Dane Jackson or be a depth option at the position.
If the Buffalo Bills were to select Hill, he is the type of player that would be a great option to replace Hyde or Poyer but could contribute this year in a variety of ways.