2021 NFL Draft ILB rankings: Alabama’s Dylan Moses leads a deep group
By John Blair
9. Justin Hilliard, Ohio State
6-foot-1, 227 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fifth round
Justin Hillard is a lot like his teammate Baron Browning in that he was a highly recruited linebacker who did not put up much production. Unlike Browning though Hillard carries a day three grade and might be a bit of a sleeper in the 2021 NFL Draft. What gives the impression that Hilliard can make it in the NFL is his overall physical style of play and his ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. In 2020 while only recording 33 tackles, five of them were for tackles for loss.
Other than his lack of production there are some other concerns with Hillard. One of these is he has battled some injuries while at Ohio State this included a torn Achilles in 2019 and two separate biceps injuries earlier in his college career. He also is on the short side which is another reason he will fall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite these issues, Hillard has the raw physical tools to develop into an NFL starter if he can stay healthy.
10. Monty Rice, Georgia
6-foot, 235 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fifth round
Georgia’s Monty Rice is a run-stuffing linebacker who also shows the ability to help out on special teams. As a run defender, he shows a nose for the ball evident by his 89 tackles in 2019. Rice is also a quick player who posted an impressive 4.57 40-yard dash. One more positive with him is he is an extremely tough player who played through a foot injury last season.
One of the concerns with Rice is how well will he hold up in pass coverage. He looks stiff at times when trying to play in coverage and doesn’t show outstanding awareness in this area. His foot injury will also have to be something teams checkout before they draft him.