2022 NFL Draft: Top Picks Lead Charge For Defensive Rookie Of The Year
By Kyle Edmond
No. 2: Daxton Hill, DB, Cincinnati Bengals
Daxton Hill was one of my favorite players to track during the draft process. He was a clear cut first round pick based on talent, but finding the right fit was the challenge. Cincinnati was probably the best landing spot for Hill.
Projected to be a nickel back, Hill has the opportunity to be on the top defensive rookies during the 2022 season. Being in that position, he should be presented the chance to make an impact without having the statistically backlash of facing some of the top receivers in the league.
Playing the AFC North, Hill will still have to face solid teams in the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, but the passing and receiving combinations aren’t as threatening as some other rookies will face.
Given the role that Hill will have in Cincinnati, the team’s recent success and the opponents that he’ll consistently have to face throughout the season, there’s a chance he could sneak into the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation. It might take a bit more work to get his name out there compared to others, but definitely possible, especially if he can play at the level that many expected during the 2022 NFL Draft process.