NFL Draft Scout Says U-M FB Khalid Hill Will Be Drafted Despite No Combine
Former Michigan fullback Khalid Hill wasn't invited to the NFL Combine, but one scout says he'll still be drafted in this month's NFL Draft.
Dane Brugler, of NFLDraftScout.com, did a story on the 35 players he believes will be drafted despite not being invited to the combine. Hill made the cut.
The only fullback or tight end listed, here's what Brugler had to say:
"Spending time at fullback and tight end in his career, Hill is still developing his instincts as a blocking fullback, but the want-to and competitive nature are there. While he won’t routinely uncover in his patterns, Hill uses physicality to out-muscle and finish."
He did not list a draft round or pick, but most experts say that if Hill is to be drafted, it would be in the sixth round at best, but seventh round most likely. Since fullback is not a huge position of importance in today's NFL, there's no shame is being taken late or going undrafted.
Brugler lists Hill as the No. 4 fullback in the draft, behind Oklahoma's Dimitri Flowers, San Diego State's Nick Bawden and Wisconsin's Austin Ramesh. He gave Hill a round projection of seventh or undrafted.
Fourth seems to be the consensus ranking for Hill among experts. WalterFootball.com lists him there, behind Flowers, Oregon State's Ryan Nall and Bawden. ESPN's Mel Kiper also lists Hill fourth among fullbacks, behind N.C. State's Jaylen Samuels, Flowers and Bawden.
“I know I have to be as versatile as possible,” Hill said. “You can’t just be a one dimensional guy in the NFL anymore. A lot of coaches asked me about my position, and I told them I’m an athlete — a fullback, tight end, running back, receiver — anything really.”
In his time at Michigan, Hill played in 43 games, rushed 42 times for 73 yards and 13 touchdowns. 10 of those scores came during his junior season. He didn't carry the ball at all during his first two years of action.
In the passing game, Hill had 29 receptions for 288 yards and three more touchdowns. He had a career high 16 catches in 2016, scoring all three touchdowns then as well.
He will be replaced by sophomore fullback Ben Mason this upcoming season.
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