2020 NFL Draft: The year of the wide receiver
By Ryan Roberts
Technicians in the Big Ten: K.J. Hill, Ohio State
Welcome to another early 2020 NFL Draft crush in the form of Ohio State’s K.J. Hill. The Buckeyes just saw two wideouts selected on the first two days of the most recent draft with Parris Campbell and Terry McLaurin being selected by the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins, respectively. But what if I told you that the best Ohio State wide receiver was still on the roster?
Quietly, K.J. Hill put up very solid numbers all around, despite sharing the football with players like Campbell and McLaurin. The 6-0 and 198-pound senior posted 70 receptions for 885 yards and six touchdowns for the Buckeyes in 2018. Those numbers are sure to rise as he becomes the unquestioned go-to receiver heading into the 2019 season. There is just a ton to love from Hill’s game.
How does he win? By being perhaps the best technical route runner in the class. He strikes me as the prototypical slot receiver, who is able to use his intelligence more often than not to find open windows. He has a great understanding of where and when to settle option routes down, seeming to make proper reads with every rep. Then the smoothness kicks in.
He is able to get in and out of breaks without any issue, allowing himself to maintain a high enough level of separation to avoid unnecessary, contested catch situations. His effortless movements have allowed for his route tree to continue to expand, being able to affect a multitude of levels on the football field.
Now, is he a huge target? No. Is he an incredible athlete? I really doubt it, but he is the swift, high IQ slot that is valued highly valued in today’s NFL.