With the 31st overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Michigan S Daxton Hill. What will Hill’s rookie contract look like, and where does he project into the Bengals’ current depth chart?
Daxton Hill drafted 31st overall by the Cincinnati Bengals
With the offensive line options having been depleted ahead of their selection, the Bengals secured the future of the safety position. Hill was part of a Michigan defense that helped take the team to the College Football Playoff. He now heads to the AFC champions as they look to go one better in 2022.
Hill’s projected rookie contract
Because Hill was the 31st overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, this is what his projected rookie contract should look like. Contract numbers are from Over the Cap.
- Total Value: $13.0 million
- Signing Bonus: $6.7 million
- 2022 Base Salary: $705,000
- 2022 Cap Number: $2.4 million
Hill’s strengths and areas to improve
Here is a snapshot of what the Bengals will be getting with the selection of Hill. For further information, check out Hill’s full scouting report.
Strengths
- Swift and fluid pedaling in reverse, smooth flipping his hips, and tracks the pass in the air
- Quick to read and diagnose plays, shows speed laterally, and keeps the action in front of him
- Squares into tackles and wraps up ball handlers
Areas for improvement
- Doesn’t always take the best angles in pursuit and sometimes plays himself off-balance
- Can overshoot tackling angles coming downhill
- Can have trouble deconstructing blocks in run defense
How does Hill project in the Bengals’ depth chart?
Hill comes into Cincinnati in a wonderful position. With Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell entrenched as starters, Hill can learn behind those two in 2022, while hopefully playing some impactful snaps.
The Bengals have both Bates and Bell set to be free agents next year, so they need a succession plan if one of them leaves. Hill is certainly that and has the ability to step in as a potential starter in 2023.
When do the Bengals pick next in the 2022 NFL Draft?
As of the time they drafted Hill, the Bengals have these remaining picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.
- Round 2 (Pick 63)
- Round 3 (Pick 95)
- Round 4 (Pick 136)
- Round 5 (Pick 174)
- Round 6 (Pick 209)
- Round 7 (Pick 226 from Giants)
- Round 7 (Pick 252)
For the full results and upcoming draft order, check out our pick-by-pick tracker for the 2022 NFL Draft.