New England Patriots 2022 NFL Draft: 5 Targets With No. 21 Pick
By Kyle Edmond
New England Patriots 2022 NFL Draft Target #3: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
The Patriots have done a good job of revamping the secondary this season. Malcolm Butler returned to New England and they added Terrence Mitchell and Jabrill Peppers. However, the reality is that Devin McCourty is getting older and they’ll eventually need a replacement for him. With Peppers on just a one-year deal, the Patriots could look for a more long-term option in Daxton Hill.
Hill tested really well at the NFL Combine, but is still flying under the radar for most mock drafts out there. He’s a first round talent, but team needs where his value is could push him down in the 2022 NFL Draft and make him a candidate for a draft steal.
Hill impressed each season he was at Michigan. He was the team’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019, all-conference honorable mention in 2020 and then First-Team Big Ten in 2021. He also has the range to play both safety and nickel at the NFL level, making him a versatile player for Belichick to utilize on defense.
With Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs in Buffalo, all the speed on the Miami Dolphins offense that is led by Tyreek Hill and the New York Jets who are building up their roster, the Patriots will need a strong secondary. Hill’s versatile skill set and high ceiling would make for a solid addition against those teams.