The 2023 NFL Draft class is as loaded on the defensive side of the ball, and one of the players expected to hear his name called in the middle rounds is Pittsburgh S Brandon Hill. While most of the conversation has been focused on the top names in the class, what does Hill’s scouting report suggest about his NFL Draft stock?
Brandon Hill NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Saftey
- School: Pittsburgh
- Year: Redshirt Junior
If you can stand out as a high schooler in Central Florida, you’re doing something right because that is one of the hotbeds of talent across the nation. Hill was doing just that with five interceptions, 12 pass breaks ups, and 28.4 yards per interception return as a senior safety for Weliva.
The No. 34 safety in the nation, Hill played in four games as a true freshman while preserving his redshirt, including the team’s bowl game against Eastern Michigan.
Hill started his first two games in 2020 and compiled a total of 27 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and one interception in 10 total contests. Hill played a massive role while making his first start against Florida State, where he collected a game-high eight tackles and had a 50-yard interception return in their exclamation point victory. Hill was named ACC Defensive Back of the Week for his performance.
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2021 and 2022 saw Hill transform into an imposing presence on the field. As a redshirt sophomore, he recorded 81 tackles during 14 games (13 starts), with one tackle for a loss, six pass breakups, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble. Hill brought home not only All-ACC second-team honors but also a Paycom Jim Thorpe Award finalist finish.
Hill started all 12 games during his final season at Pitt and was the team’s second-leading tackler with 67, recording two best breakups and one fumble recovery.
Hill’s physical tools were on full display at the 2023 NFL Combine, as his 4.43 40-yard dash was the quickest time amongst all safeties in Indianapolis. At 5’10” and 193 pounds, he has solid size, speed, and length with 34 3/4″ arms.
A productive player with 172 tackles and three interceptions as a two-year starter, there will unquestionably be a role for Hill at the NFL level. As to what that might be, we have to dive into Hill’s scouting report to see what his strengths and weaknesses are.
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Brandon Hill
Strengths: Two-year starter who plays tough, aggressive football. Diagnoses plays, covers a lot of area on the field, and easily gets to the flanks. Quick and fluid pedaling in reverse, displays solid range, and works to locate the pass in the air.
Communicates well with teammates in the secondary, immediately picks up coverage assignments in deep centerfield, and displays speed in both a straight line and laterally. Keeps the action in front of him and has a closing burst.
Weaknesses: A bit slow flipping his hips in transition. Comes off a somewhat disappointing season.
Overall: Hill is a physical, aggressive safety who is best facing the action. While he must improve his skills in man coverage, Hill has enough ability to make a roster as a third safety.
Brandon Hill Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 193 pounds
- Arm Length: 30 3/4″
- Hand Size: 9 1/2″
- Bench Press: 15
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.43 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 35.5″
- Broad Jump: 10’3″
Pittsburgh S Brandon Hill Current Draft Projection
The 2023 NFL Draft class is phenomenal if you need help on the defensive side of the ball. However, most of the top prospects will be at EDGE, OLB, and CB. While there are some high-ranked safeties like Brian Branch from Alabama, it’s typically not a position we see go extremely high in the draft.
As far as Hill is concerned, I don’t see him breaking the trend, either. He is currently the S11 and the No. 148 overall-ranked player on Tony Pauline’s Big Board. With a draft grade of 3.46, Hill has a projected draft capital that places him somewhere in the fifth round.
MORE: 2023 NFL Draft Big Board
Hill was noted for loving a deeper safety role and saw his maturation sped up considerably by picking the brains of guys like Damar Hamlin and Dane Jackson, who were resources for him in the locker room.
While there is the likelihood Hill will need to make his name on special teams as he starts his career, he unquestionably has the athletic traits to be a disruptor on the field. With enough time, reps, and trust in the team, he may be able to assume a vital role in patrolling the no-fly zone once again.