PHILADELPHIA – Michigan football safety Delano Hill was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the No. 95 overall pick in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft.
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Here's some information on Hill's draft profile from NFL.com:
Delano and his younger brother, Lavert, played on the same football team for the first time in 2016. They attended different high schools in Detroit, with Delano going to Cass Technical and Lavert, a top 10 cornerback recruit, to Martin Luther King. Delano saved his best season for when his brother arrived, receiving second-team All-Big Ten notice as a senior (52 tackles, 4.5 for loss, three interceptions, three pass breakups.) The depth of Michigan's secondary kept Hill off the field as a freshman in 2013 (one tackle), but he fought his way into the starting lineup five times the following year (20 tackles) despite his missing time in preseason with a broken jaw and a few midseason games with a leg injury. Hill started eight games in 2015 (46 tackles, 2.5 for loss, two PBU), portending his senior year success.
Strengths
Compact build that is able to accept and deal out physical play. Aggressive in run support. Likes the life near the line of scrimmage. Plays downhill and will meet the ball in the backfield when he gets a chance. Steps downhill from high safety and takes good angles to the ball. Plays both high and low and has matched up on the slot. Has zone-cover potential. Chest-up tackler with a good finishing rate.
Weaknesses
Hips lock up on him when trying to flip and chase the post route. Has no room for false steps in his game. Lacks athleticism to match up on space down the field. Below average play speed and range from high safety. Instincts are average. Can be slow to recognize and respond to intended misdirection. Transitions forward from his pedal will stall at the top and slow his break on the throw.
Expectations
Draft projection: Round 5-6
NFL comparison: None provided
Hill has the size and physical demeanor to get a quality look from a team as a box safety, but his lack of coverage quickness and ball production won't help his chances. Hill will have to open eyes on special teams and as a lights out, downhill tackler to become an NFL factor.
-- Lance Zierlein