(Editor's Note: While the start of the 2018 NFL Draft isn't until April 26, it's never too early to profile some of the key participants. The staff of DallasCowboys.com intends to preview the landscape of the draft's top prospect, with an emphasis on possible Cowboys draft picks – from the first round to the last. Today's featured player is Texas cornerback Holton Hill.)
- Name: Holton Hill
- Position: Cornerback
- College:Texas
- Height/Weight:6-2 / 200
- Honors:Was an honorable mention All-Big 12 performer twice, including his freshman season in 2015 when he started the final eight games.
- Key Stat:Scored the first two touchdowns of the season for Texas in 2017 in the season opener vs. Maryland, becoming the first FBS player in 10 years with an interception return and blocked field goal return for scores in the same game. The following week, Hill also had a pick six against San Jose State, giving him three TDs in two games.
Where He's Projected:
Hill was suspended late in the season at Texas for violating team rules, and that always raises concern with teams. But it's not anything he can't overcome, especially if he interviews well with teams and of course, performs well in his workouts. Hill didn't blow anyone way at the combine, but didn't hurt himself either. His 4.49 time in the 40 was respectable. Overall, Hill is probably a fourth-round pick who could perhaps slide his way into the third round.
How He Helps The Cowboys:
Despite starting two rookies last season, the Cowboys are always in the need for talented corners who can play. It might not be a pressing need for the first two rounds, but if a cornerback with good coverage and ball skills falls to them, the Cowboys wouldn't turn away from taking another cornerback like Hill, especially with his ability to get the ball. He had three interception returns for touchdowns in his three seasons in Austin.
- Outstanding size and length for the position.
- One of the most physical cornerbacks in this draft.
- Is not afraid of contact or mixing it up as a tackler.
- Has an understanding of how to stay in position during the route.
- Does a really nice job of handling the inside routes.
- Doesn't give the receivers much space.
- Good at contesting the ball.
- When you play him up tight he can really get the job done.
- His balance will lack at times and he will play over the tops of his toes.
- Has some off the field questions that will need to be addressed which could easily make him a Day 3 selection but talent is more Day 2.
