College: LSU

Height: 6’0” 5/8

Weight: 233

Strengths

Power: Hill is a north-south runner who can punish defenders with a tough running style.  When he builds up a head of steam Hill can be almost unstoppable as he lowers his pads and thunders through defenders.  An impressive leg drive allows hill to push the pile when he is stacked up and gain every yard possible.

Furthermore,  the former LSU back has good balance when initiating contact and more often than not falls forwards.

Receiving ability: With the NFL a passing league runners who can catch out of the backfield are sought after and Hill can do his bit in this department.  He is not Matt Forte but he displays good hands and solid route running.

Size: At just over six-foot tall and 233 pounds Hill has good frame to take the punishment his body will receive in the NFL.  It also should stand him in good stead to improve his pass blocking.

Weaknesses

Elusiveness: Spin and juke moves along with a jump-cut are often implemented by Hill and can be affective but he does not have any “wiggle” to slip away from defenders.  Add to that an upright running style and he presents himself as a big target for blood-hungry NFL linebackers.

Pass Block: Hill is an inconsistent pass blocker who suffers from poor technique and lack of effort.  He appears to drop his head and let defenders hit him.  Furthermore he regularly gives up on plays once the initial contact has happened.  While his pass catching improves his third down chances,  his pass blocking means he has a long way to go towards being a three-down back.

One-speed: Hill struggles the necessary burst to threaten defenses deep and on the outside.  He has a long stride which,  when he gets up to speed,  means he eats up ground well but average lateral movement means he can be predictable.  On tape he is often seen being caught from behind.

Pro Comparison: LeGarrette Blount,  Pittsburgh Steelers.  Hill is a better athlete than Blount but both deploy a punishing running style that more than makes up for their lack of top-end speed.  Furthermore,  they are similar in stature and,  unfortunately,  both had legal issues in college.

Draft Outlook

With a number of backs who can do more than Hill and did it behind lesser offensive lines,  the Tiger will not be the first back off the board in May.  I think Hill is a third round prospect who,  with work from NFL coaches,  can become a starter in the league who complements a scat-back.

Best Fits

The New York Jets appear to be going in a new direction at running back and Hill would work well with the newly signed Chris Johnson.

Other good fits would be the Atlanta Falcons,  Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans who could all be looking for a running back after the first round.