New York Giants third-round pick B.J. Hill is projected to be a starter and make a huge impact.
Much of the talk surrounding the New York Giants 2018 draft class has been about first-round pick running back Saquon Barkley and second-round pick guard Will Hernandez.
But the Giants are just as excited about one of their third rounders, B.J. Hill (69th overall), as they are about Barkley and Hernandez.
The 6-foot-4, 315 pound Hill had a stellar college career in his four years playing for the North Carolina State Wolfpack.
He amassed 183 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks and one interception. In college, Hill primarily played at defensive tackle, but under defensive coordinator James Bettcher’s 3-4 scheme he’s projected to be the starting left defensive end.
Playing at the next level shouldn’t be a problem for Hill as he is extremely talented and confident in his abilities. Shortly after being drafted, Hill spoke about what he brings to the Giants via conference call with the media.
“I think I bring a smart player and a physical [player] who loves to compete with the best of the best. That’s what my dream is, play with the best of the best and compete against them. And I bring hard work. I bring everything to the table. My leadership, just going down the line, I bring it all”.
Although in OTA’s and minicamp, there’s only light and limited contact involved, Hill impressed his coaches and teammates, all while learning from the veterans and trying to get better every day.
Following one of the practices, Hill spoke about playing alongside his teammates and getting a grasp on Bettcher’s defense.
“It’s been great just coming here and competing with some guys, just learning the defense and doing my job. It’s not hard because I have been kind of doing the same thing, same defense I had in college, so it’s not bad at all”.
Damon Harrison was impressed with Hill’s play during minicamp and spoke about what he’s seen in Hill.
“He can play. He can play and that’s the first thing our defensive line coach told me when I got here. He said, ‘You’re going to love 95.’ He said, ‘He can play.’ So, I got out here and I’ve been watching him. He’s strong and he’s got some wiggle to him and he has some move to him. So, that’s somebody else who I think with some time and a little more experience will be a dominant player in this league, as well as Dalvin Tomlinson, who I think will take the next step this year.”
It’s almost that time ?? #NYGiants #bigblue pic.twitter.com/O4iJx8prhE
— BJ Hill (@BJHill5) July 15, 2018
Hill’s strength and athleticism are going to be pivotal to the Giants front seven as the Giants will need Hill to not only be a stout defender against the run, but to also apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks.
If Hill can be solid against the run and rushing the passer, then the Giants have the potential to be a top 10 defense this season, and Hill could be in a position to become Defensive Rookie of the Year.
We’ll get to see Hill showcase his skills, along with the rest of the Giants next week as the team reports to training camp.
