Daxton Hill

Hill is on track to play after full practices the last two days. The rookie had been used in a limited role on defense for the Bengals before missing Week 11. Hill should see most of his snaps on special teams if active.

The Bengals' first-round pick, Hill has played under 10% of defensive snaps this season but is one of the top contributors on special teams. Michael Thomas will serve as the No. 3 safety behind Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell. 

The deal is fully guaranteed and comes with a fifth-year team option for 2026. Hill (6’0/191) made a name for himself as an instinctive, fast-twitch hybrid safety/slot corner with the versatility to move all around the defensive formation, playing heavy snaps in the slot, box, and at free safety throughout his college career. Hill posted strong passer ratings against of 63.4 in 2019 and 61.3 in 2020. Last year, the first-team All-Big Ten performer allowed 45 receptions on 65 targets due to his increased slot coverage responsibilities, which bumped him up to a 79.8 passer rating when targeted. His athleticism showed out in the speed and agility testing. Hill’s 4.38 forty and splits were 96th-percentile or better while his 4.06 shuttle was in the 93rd and 6.57 three-cone was worthy of the 99th-percentile. The scintillating marks contributed to a rock-solid 9.06 overall relative athletic score. The knock on Hill is that he is considered undersized for the safety position. His frame is somewhat slight, which could present issues while taking on blockers at the next level. However, his elite range, anticipation, and coverage ability made him one of the most versatile safeties in the 2022 class in the mold of Minkah Fitzpatrick.