Holton Hill Has The Measurables Teams Covet. Can He Develop Into A Starter For The Redskins?

Holton Hill, CB
School: Texas | Conference: BIG 12
College Experience: Junior | Age: 21
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 196 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 4th Round or 5th Round
NFL Comparison: Kyle Fuller

College Statistics

Player Overview

Holton Hill was a 4-star recruit from Houston, Texas. He and his friend Chris Boyd who decided to return to Texas for his senior season announced their commitments within moments of each other back in 2015. Hill and Boyd formed a good CB duo for the Longhorns. Hill helped set the tone for the group with his physicality. Hill’s willingness to tackle is welcomed. His measurables look great but he has a long lean frame. Despite that, he isn't afraid to come up and put a tackle on an opponent and he put up impressive tackle numbers for a CB this season. Hill can also be physical in coverage - a little too physical at times. Aside from some nice plays on the ball he made this season I think his overall technique in man coverage especially needs to improve. He has a bad habit of panicking when the ball is in the air and not turning his head to make plays. He will also hook the receiver he's matched up against at times drawing penalties. He has the ability to stick with receivers he just needs to be confident in his abilities and play poised. Hill has the size NFL teams look for and obvious talent despite his weaknesses. He should be going higher than his projection but was suspended for 3 games for violating team rules.

Strengths

• Good size, length, and speed for the position.
• Physical and aggressive player that keeps things in front of him. Shows really good change of direction skills and can close quickly. Active in run support and willing tackler.
• Shows good instincts and vision. Anticipation is there and he can jump routes.
• Plays well in press coverage but also can show some finesse. Baits QBs and receivers by giving some slack before he uses his speed and athleticism to close.

Weaknesses

• Needs to remain poised and confident in his abilities in coverage. Technique needs improvement as far as how he checks his opponent, his timing of the breakup attempt (hesitation can kill him), and he needs to turn his head when the ball is in the air.
• Loses track of the ball when it's in the air and his back is turned.
• Suspended for 3 games this season for violating team rules.

Let’s see his work:

More Holton Hill videos

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

Holton Hill has to answer maturity and responsibility questions related to his suspension this year. He needs a lot of technique work as well but the physical skills and talent are there. He probably should have gone back to school as to not come out so raw but I suppose he feels he's ready to make the jump. He has great size and athleticism which already means he’s got one foot into a potential starting gig. A good defensive backs coach will need to work with him to teach him patience and other nuances that he is currently missing from his coverage abilities. I think it may take him a few years to really get comfortable after he makes his jump to the NFL. The good thing for Hill is that he can certainly make a roster and contribute right away on special teams with his tackling ability. I think he would make a good depth player on the Redskins as he starts out his career. Orlando Scandrick and perhaps even Josh Norman may be on their way out of town after next season. If all goes well in his development Hill could be a player that makes big leaps in a short period of time and becomes a serviceable starter.