NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

2022 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals select Daxton Hill No. 31 overall

By Sravan Gannavarapu

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Daxton Hill #30 of the Michigan Wolverines defends against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium on November 20, 2021 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Daxton Hill #30 of the Michigan Wolverines defends against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium on November 20, 2021 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Cincinnati Bengals add versatility and winning experience to their secondary in the form of Michigan’s Daxton Hill with the 31st overall pick. 

Last season, the offensive line played a significant role in how the Cincinnati Bengals could not finish the job in Super Bowl LVI against the LA Rams. That was addressed in the offseason, but that likely will not stop at the draft.

The secondary also needed some attention, and the ongoing contact situation with Jessie Bates III still lingers. Plus, the Bengals needed more aggression in their secondary, and given where they picked, 31st overall, there were several opportunities to make it right.

So, they look to Michigan and find a safety that has “swiss army knife” potential written all over him in safety Daxton Hill.

Given how the Wolverines made a big run to the College Football Playoff this year and Hill had a role in making that happen, the Bengals have reason to feel assured about their choice.

Daxton Hill brings versatility and winning experience to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Last season, Hill recorded 69 total tackles and two interceptions. He has also played safety and slot cornerback, which means defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has a new toy to work with and implement.

The Bengals defensive scheme is predicated on all three levels working together instead of relying on just the defensive line, the linebackers, or just the secondary alone.

Moreover, given how we just saw Baltimore get two starting-caliber players and how Pittsburgh rolled the dice on Kenny Pickett, combined with Cleveland going all-in on Deshaun Watson, the Bengals must prove that last season wasn’t just a fluke and that they are here to stay.

Daxton Hill can help keep the new tradition going. He brings leadership, commitment, and pedigree. With six rounds left, it will be interesting to see just how the franchise continues to build in hopes of finishing what did not happen a year ago.

Home/Cincinnati Bengals