Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dax Hill entered the offseason in a precarious spot. The first-rounder in 2022 was the starting free safety last year in an experiment that didn't go well. As a result, Hill was moved to outside cornerback, where he appears to be taking charge in a position battle with DJ Turner, a second-rounder from 2023 who started 12 games his rookie season. Hill has taken the position change in stride and was disruptive in 7-on-7 drills during mandatory minicamp earlier this month. He is shaping up to remain a useful player for the Bengals' secondary as they enter training camp this summer. The 23-year-old had 110 tackles (72 solo), 1.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, five QB hits, two interceptions and 11 pass breakups in 17 starts last year, but he may be less productive in IDP fantasy formats with the move to corner.
The Cincinnati Bengals agreed to terms with first-round Michigan defensive back Daxton Hill on a four-year, fully guaranteed rookie deal on Wednesday, according to a source. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Hill was the 31st overall pick of the first round and mostly played safety in college, but he has the athleticism to play cornerback in the NFL. The 21-year-old could be an immediate upgrade over Eli Apple in the Bengals secondary in 2022 and beyond.
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Michigan safety Daxton Hill with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft on Thursday. While he primarily played safety in college, he has the athleticism and frame to transition to cornerback, if needed, at the next level. Hill could have an even bigger role in his rookie season if the Bengals cannot find a way to re-sign Jessie Bates. Although Eli Apple played well down the stretch for Cincinnati in their run to the Super Bowl last season, Hill should be an upgrade over Apple at the cornerback position. Hill is a fast-twitch hybrid safety/slot corner and has the versatility and talent to play all over the field. Because of his slight frame at 6-foot, 191 pounds, he could have issues with tackling bigger and stronger players in the NFL.
