Cleveland Browns: Late round prospects worth drafting
Holton Hill, CB, Texas
Draft Prediction: 4-6th Round
Combine Results
40 Yard Dash: 4.49 seconds
Vertical Jump: 31 inches
Broad Jump:120 inches
Former Texas Longhorns cornerback Holton Hill has all the talent to be an early day two pick. With great size and length, he was able to become an impact player for the Longhorns defense. In nine games as a Junior, he intercepted two passes, and returned them both back for touchdowns.
He was on the Honorable Mention All-Big 12 team in 2015, and after a down year in 2016 with only 21 tackles, 2017 was shaping up to be a great year. That is, until Hill was suspended from the Longhorns for violating team rules. With teams worrying about his immaturity, Hill’s projected draft position is in question, as some teams may not even have him on their draft boards.
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING:
"“Has size and length teams look for from an early round cornerback. Can hit a switch and play with more aggression in-game. Play strength is a plus. Punches and separates against blockers. Gives what he’s got as a hitter and tackler. Accelerates into contact with ball carriers and pass-catchers. Intelligent person and player. Has early mirror and match from backpedal in off-man. Can disguise zone. However, he still needs work with ball skills. Doesn’t find football quickly enough with his back to the quarterback. Can be hesitant choosing course of action when throws head his way. Has cover talent, but still in a grappling phase. Could take awhile to rid himself of bad habits and trust his technique.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com"
HOW HE FITS WITH CLEVELAND:
Another defensive back to help what is likely the weakest point of the Browns defense. With the trade of Cornerback Jason McCourty, the team is in even more need of defensive back help. Playing in the AFC North with great receivers, such as Antonio Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers and A.J. Green of the Cincinnati Bengals, you need to have taller, more athletic defenders to match up.
In Hill’s most recent matchup with Oklahoma State, and highly touted NFL wide receiver prospect, James Washington, Hill limited him to only four catches for 30 yards. Cleveland has been in the market for blue chip players who can play multiple positions. With Hill’s ability to play the run and the pass so well, he can be moved around and play anywhere on defense, which allows him to wreak havoc all over the defensive side for the Browns.