Player: Dax Hill

School: Michigan

Height and Weight: 6’, 191

Combine Results:

• 40:  4.38
• Bench: DNP
• Vertical Jump: 33.5”
• Broad Jump: 10’1”
• 3 Cone: 6.57
• 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.06
• Other Notes: Hill had a solid day at the combine overall in both the tests and on-field workouts. Hill’s 4.38 was a solid time; however, based on his tape and play speed I thought he would run low 4.3 or even high 4.2, but at the end of the day it’s a solid time and play speed is what really matters. His jumps were a little disappointing as he was at the bottom of the safeties group at the combine. He has a much more explosive style of play than the numbers show. In the change of direction tests, Dax led the group and it definitely shows on tape. His on field workout showed exactly what you see on tape, fluid hips and movements.

Strengths: Versatility, blitzing and playmaking, coverage, solid tackler

Weaknesses: Size/length

Projected Draft Day: Day 1

Player Comparison: Minkah Fitzpatrick

Player Summary: Dax has become one of my favorite players coming out this year. Dax is much smaller than Hamilton, but I believe that he is closer to Hamilton than people think. Dax does not seem like he has a lot of hype around him, and as such he may be my biggest sleeper this year.

The thing I like most about Dax is his versatility. He can be a single high safety, a two high safety, an outside CB, a slot/nickel back, and a special teamer. It seemed like Michigan liked to play him at the slot position more than anything else though, as they ran some two high safety looks with a different safety while Hill stayed in the slot. I think it’s really interesting to note that in goal line/short yardage packages Hill was the guy who split out on the wide receiver, not one of their CBs.

Dax is a playmaker. Sacks, picks, big hits, he does it all. Michigan liked to blitz Dax and when they did, his speed and explosion showed and he brought pressure constantly. His coverage skills are unlike any safety coming out. He covers like a cornerback. He’s good in man, but is definitely stronger in zone than he is man. His awareness, instincts, and ball skills in zone are just impressive; he always seems to know where the ball is. Dax is also a solid tackler. He can drop you with a hit stick, but is also great at making sure he secures his tackles.

The big issue for Dax, particularly in man coverage is that bigger, lengthier wide receivers and tight ends can get the best of him. He definitely shows a play style where he likes to play longer than he actually is, but sometimes it isn’t enough. Dax is fast, but for receivers that can get behind him they have an advantage because Dax will tend to forget to turn his head. That’s a red flag because that could turn into penalties in the league. The other thing to note about Dax is even though he is a great tackler, he can tend to hit and wrap high on tackles every once in a while.

Minkah Fitzpatrick is a little bit bigger than Hill, but this player comp has more to do with their versatility and style of play than anything else. Coming out of Alabama Minkah was another guy who played a lot of nickel, but could also play safety or outside cornerback. Both of these guys have great instincts and playmaking ability. Much like Fitzpatrick I think Hill will be asked to commit to either safety or corner in the league, but you never know. I have Hill as my second safety, but from what I’ve seen I also think he could be a top 5 corner in this class as well. Either way I think Hill will be a day one starter and impact player for whoever takes him.