49ers NFL Draft needs: 2018 cornerback big board
By Jay Marsdale
No. 3: Holton Hill (Texas)
It has been a rough few season for the Longhorns, but that does not mean there was a lack of talent in Texas. Holton Hill is one of the most intriguing draft prospect of the 2018 class. His college career was eventful and odd, to say the least.
Everything on paper says Hill should be a top-tier talent, but that never truly materialized at Texas. Hill is one of the biggest corners in this draft at 6-foot-3 and has the body type to match up with almost any receiver in the NFL.
Hill has the resume to be a first rounder as well. His freshman year alone was impressive, with 49 tackles and an interception. His stats again were great through most of 2017, with another 51 tackles and two interceptions. However, the Longhorns suspended Hill the final three games of the season for violating team rules.
Another player with a character question heading into the draft? His draft stock took a hit and he is now projected as a second-day player. The 49ers need to do their due diligence with Hill, but he is worth a look.
The stat that makes me most excited about Hill’s potential is he has three picks at the college level, and all three have been returned for a touchdown. That doesn’t happen by chance. Hill is a game changer when on the field. It is up to the 49ers front office to decide whether he is worth the risk or not off the field.
I hope the recent incident involving linebacker Reuben Foster doesn’t deter them from giving Hill a real look in the draft. Texas is a program that is always full of talented players, but they could not find a way to win over the past few seasons. Hill looks to have all of the talent on the football field, but was he one of the reasons for the Longhorns recent struggles?
If the 49ers find out he wasn’t, than a second- or third-round pick will be a steal for a player with Hill’s level of talent.