Round 7: Kylin Hill

[Iheartfootball]

Looks intriguing. Not sure politics has a place in the National Football League.

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He’s really posting some HOF stuff right now. Top of his game.

[ReasonablySober]

He was Farrarr's 4th ranked RB in the entire class.

Bio: A four-star recruit out of Mississippi’s Columbus High School, Hill chose the home state route, turning down offers from Missouri, Nebraska, Ole Miss, and several other schools. Regarding his college production, we’re dealing with one major season here — his 2019 campaign, when he gained 1,350 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns on 242 carries, with 18 receptions for 180 yards and a touchdown. His career stats: 452 carries for 2,535 yards and 16 touchdowns, with 67 catches for 631 yards and six touchdowns. So, we’re doing a bit of projection here, but the tape in both 2019 and 2020 makes it pretty easy to do so in a positive sense.

Stat to Know: In just three 2020 games, Hill had 23 receptions for 234 yards, with just one drop and eight broken tackles.

Strengths: Hill had 116 broken tackles on 452 career carries, and it’s easy to see why; he never goes down without several fights, and his tape against Alabama in 2019 specifically shows outstanding power and determination against a dominant defense. Pinballing, slashing runner who’s particularly good on draws and delays because he follows his blocks, and can bounce from gap to gap when things aren’t happening up front. Runs low to the ground with great leg drive and will reach out for additional yards. Outstanding competitive personality on the field. Has a good enough extra gear into the second and third levels of the defense, but at and around the line of scrimmage is where most of his highlights happen. Expanded his palette as a receiver in 2020 with 14 snaps in the slot after 12 total in the three previous years.

Weaknesses: Hill’s blocking ability mirrors his tough on-field personality, though he could use a few awareness pointers — this would lead to more direct hits and fewer whiffs. At times, he’ll start freelancing, bouncing outside instead of following the plan, and that doesn’t always go well. While he plays with consistent efficient power, he’s not the kind of bigger back you can build that kind of offense around. Reportedly opted out of the remainder of the 2020 season after an “outburst” and subsequent suspension following a 24-2 loss to Kentucky in which Hill gained 79 yards on 15 carries.

Conclusion: Hill saw his name get lost in the shuffle a bit because of his reduced 2020 season, but when you go back and watch what he did in a 2019 season in which he amassed 1,560 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns on 260 touches against strong competition, it becomes clear that he’s NFL-ready if he’s used correctly.

NFL Comparison: Garrison Hearst. This is a bit of a throwback, but it’s tough to find 5-foot-10 backs in the 215-pound range who run with Hill’s power and contact balance, and I’m not going to compare him to LaDainian Tomlinson. Like Hearst, who gained 7.966 yards on the ground and added 2,065 more yards in the air over his career from 1993 through 2004, Hill has a nice combination of agility, speed, strength, and wiggle, with untapped potential in the passing game. He’s not a foundation back per se, but if your team is looking for a thunder back to complement someone else’s lightning, you might want to start right here.

[Treebeard]

At #256, he's on shaky ground walking in the door. However, with the Packers having Jones and Dillon as the only real RB's on the roster, Hill has a good shot to stay, I suppose

[emunney]

I really like this pick, kid is a really nice runner. Like his hands, too. Keep that HB pipeline primed.

[HKPackFan]

I like he's an angry runner, we need a bit of toughness on THIS team.

Seems like he could be used like Jamaal in the passing and running game. Just gotta make sure he can block. He had some nice catches in his highlights.

[Balls2TheWalls]

I love this pick. It is 1 of 2 places on the roster that where I thought a 7th rounder could realistically make the roster. I think interior defensive line and running back were the only places with roster spots. With Jones and Dillon clearly on roster, I have a lot of questions about Dexter Williams. This kid runs like a player who could take a lot of carries if there is an injury. Hopefully they show him how to pass block with his feet and not count on always getting his ridiculous strength into someone with his arms only. Interesting that he didn't find a home earlier with a lot of the guys coming off of the board.

[raysbookclub]

All the lay scouting reports and the highlights look great, pretty crazy he lasted to the end of the draft. Love the athleticism (4.51 40 I guess was considered slow for his size?, but he looks faster on tape), tough running, the good hands. Should be a good STer too.