Leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft starting on April 29th, we will be releasing several draft profiles of prospects who could potentially see themselves on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Next up…
Kylin Hill (Running Back), Mississippi State, Senior
OVERVIEW:
The Steelers’ first four selections in the 2021 NFL Draft are still in flux. We know running back, offensive line, and cornerback are all high on the Steelers’ list, but with the depth this year’s draft offers at those positions, this leaves some uncertainty in the order of which these needs will be filled. Analysts have been going back in forth with the Steelers’ first round pick over running back versus offensive tackle. In the scenario where the Steelers select an offensive tackle at 24, maybe a cornerback at 55, who will be available to carry the ball at the Steelers’ 4th round picks? Kylin Hill may be that value back the Steelers need.
PROS:
Hill showed to be a multipurpose ball carrier in college. On running plays, he is patient in letting the play develop to find the hole to break through into the second level. On passing plays, he is an effective safety blanket and has reliable hands. He is a match up nightmare against linebackers and safeties and could be a critical component in Matt Canada’s offense. Hill has great footwork and the ability to quickly turn upfield and run vertically. When protecting the quarterback, he has great blocking awareness in picking up the blitz and can hold his own when taking on a linebacker.
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CONS:
Some NFL scouts were discouraged by his speed at his Pro Day. He ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash, which is a bit slower than what coaches expected for a 214 pound running back. Hill does not necessarily possess that break-away speed coaches like in a feature back. In addition, he lacks in breaking tackles in the open field and making defenders miss.
DRAFT PROJECTION: Middle 4th Round to Early 5th Round
As I mentioned earlier, this year’s draft is deep with offensive linemen and cornerbacks, not to mention wide receivers and defensive tackles as well. As teams gravitate towards those positions in the first 2 days of the draft, I see Hill slipping to the 3rd day. I currently have Hill as a safe 4th rounder.
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VERDICT:
Looking at Hill’s strengths, I think of another feature back that the Steelers drafted in 2013. Who else was patient at the line, was a major asset in the passing game, but yet wasn’t the fastest player on the field? I’m not saying Hill is the next Le’Veon Bell, but his profile is very similar to what we saw with Bell. I see Hill as a great value pick in the 4th round. In the scenario where the Steelers would be looking for a running back on the 3rd day, we can assume the needs on the offensive line would have been addressed by that point. This would provide a great safety blanket for a rookie running back to come in and make an impact on day one. I see Hill as a great compliment to Benny Snell as a part of the 2021 Steelers running attack.
Where do you think Hill will land this week? Let us know in the comments below!
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