NFL Draft 2022: Final 32-pick Round 1 mock with trades

NFL Draft Pick No. 31: Cincinnati Bengals – Daxton Hill, Cornerback, Michigan

Chidobe Awuzie was an excellent cornerback for the Cincinnati Bengals in their unexpected trip to the Super Bowl last season, but they need an upgrade across from him. Daxton Hill turned heads with both his speed and his versatility.

Hill can play either cornerback or safety, although he projects best as a slot cornerback for the NFL. Hill had two interceptions and eight passes defended this season, and showed some talent getting into the backfield with 4.5 tackles for loss and half a sack as well.

While Michigan had Hill playing a hybrid role in the Wolverines defense, the tape on Hill is much better at cornerback than safety. The main thing you see about Hill is his competitiveness on defense. He’s an exceptional tackler and throws himself into every play, including run plays.

Hill is an extremely athletic and fast individual, capable of taking on the speedier receivers in the NFL.

The combination of this and his versatility makes him an extremely valuable prospect, and he’s on the fringes as a first-round prospect.