/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12250163/154484295.0.jpg)
The Seahawks addressed some need on their interior defensive line by selecting Penn State DT Jordan Hill. Per Mike Mayock on NFL.com's telecast, Hill is a guy that 'can get up the field, is a one gap guy, can be stout at the point. Great rotation guy. Great motor. Solid football player.'
Here's what our own Derek Stephens had to say about Hill:
"Short, compact frame with thick upper half. Exhibits an explosive first step off the snap. Active hands on contact with strength to rip loose of his blocker's grip and find space. Fluid laterally with the agility to step around blockers quickly in conjunction with a quick swat or arm-over swim. Will often come off the line "on top" of his blocker leaving him susceptible to losing the leverage battle and being shoved off the block.
"Good straight-line speed when asked to chase the runner down field. Can break down and change direction in space rapidly, and exhibits a relentless nature in pursuit. Is an aggressive, feisty battler in the trenches who has the ability to wear his blocker down over time. Lacks lower body strength to anchor against the run, and is walked back easily at times by his blocker. Is not an effective bull-rusher.
"Hill is one of the more athletic middle-rounds linemen in the draft, and may be the most agile of the group. His quick get-off and ability to create space when combining lateral movement with aggressive hands, make him an intriguing situational pass-rush prospect, but his limitations as a run defender will make it tough for him to establish himself as an every-down lineman at the next level."
Hill is 6'1, 303 pounds and ran the 40 in 5.23 seconds. He put up 28 reps on bench, registered a 22.5" vert, a 103" broad jump, a 7.49 second 3-cone, and a 4.51 second short shuttle. He was All-Conference as a senior, racking up 64 tackles with 8.5 for a loss and 4.5 as sacks.
According to the Seahawks Twitter account, Hill started 27 of 45 games at Penn St, 24 at left DT & 3 at right DE. It will be interesting to see where Seattle sees Hill along the line, but I'm intrigued with his athleticism and versatility.
Tony Pauline provides the following scouting report:
Positive: Small, yet explosive defensive tackle who consistently penetrates the line of scrimmage to make plays in the backfield. Bends his knees, plays with good pad level, and quick. Works his hands to protect himself, displays a nice arm over move, and immediately changes direction to get down the line in pursuit of the action. Displays good movement skills, rarely off his feet, and fast getting to every area of the field. Has a closing burst to the action.
Negative: Lacks bulk on the inside and overwhelmed by opponents. Possesses limited growth potential.
Analysis: Hill is a fiery defender who gets the most from his ability and consistently finds ways to make plays on the ball. He has size and growth limitations, yet should easily slide onto a roster as a three-technique tackle in a four-man front.
Tape: