Power, Experience, and Special Teams prowess; Redskins could find a day 3 diamond in the rough in Division II

Wes Hills, RB
School: Slippery Rock | Conference: PSAC (DII)
College Experience: Redshirt Senior | Age: 23
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 220lbs
Projected Draft Status: 5th - 6th round
NFL Comparison: Jeremy Hill

College Statistics

Player Summary

Wes Hills played 4 seasons and was a 2-time team captain for the Delaware Blue Hens of the FCS before transferring to Division II Slippery Rock. He appeared in all 12 games as a freshman for Delaware becoming a big contributor on special teams. He followed that up with a breakout sophomore season and looked to be the lead back in his junior year, but a foot injury in the first game kept him out the rest of the year, earning him a medical redshirt. Battled through injuries again in his redshirt-junior year but still over the 7 games he did play, averaged 104 yards/game and 8.3 yards/carry. He looked to continue that momentum into 2017 for the Blue Hens but was declared academically ineligible. Having run out the clock on Division I eligibility, Hills transferred to Division II Slippery Rock. Hills dominated for the Rock, averaging 142.8 yards/game setting SRU’s single season rushing record with 1,714 yards. He is a big back with power and vision and while he doesn’t have the best top end speed, he shows quickness in and out of cuts. He was a big contributor on special teams at Delaware, both in the return game and covering kicks on kickoffs. His ability to catch the ball rounds him out as a complete, complimentary back at the NFL level. Hills also earned an invite to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

Strengths

• Power. His size, strength, and stride give him the power to run through arm tackle with ease.
• Special teams. Hills showed an eagerness on special teams at Delaware. This will increase his value at the NFL level when trying to make a roster. He has experience both as a returner and running down kicks and punts.
• One cut. He is not one to dance in the backfield. With his combination of power and vision, he excels at making one cut and hitting the hole.

Weaknesses

• Injuries. He missed 1 and a half seasons at Delaware battling injuries and missed some time his senior year at Slippery Rock as well.
• Speed. As he’s put on some size, it appears that his top end speed has declined from Delaware to Slippery Rock (recovering from injuries probably played a part as well). Will be interested to see what he runs during pre-draft workouts.
• Competition. Can excelling at the FCS and DII levels translate to playing well against pro competition

Let’s see his work:

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

The Redskins have some decisions to make at the running back position this offseason. News of Derrius Guice’s knee infection will come into play as it is uncertain if he will be ready for the start of the season. This will play into whether the Redskins decided to bring back veteran Adrian Peterson. The 3rd down/change of pace back position seems to be locked down with Chris Thompson and it looks like Gruden will bring back his favorite player, RFA Byron Marshall, especially after the decision to cut Kapri Bibbs. What is not certain is who will be that final back to make the roster. The Redskins will most likely part ways with RFA Robert Kelly and have been disappointed in 2017 4th round pick Samaje Perine. This is where Hills could come into play. He could provide backup support for Guice/Peterson and upgrade the depth to a position that needs it. But the biggest contribution I believe Hills can make is on special teams. He has shown a willingness to hustle and stick his nose in on special teams. He has the chance to be a stand out special teamer while also providing depth to the RB position.