Tye Hill CB 5’10 185 Clemson
By: Robert Davis

NFL Combine Stats: 40-yard dash - 4.30, vertical jump - 41"

After starting his career as a tailback, Tye Hill moved to the defensive side of the ball and became one of the best cover corners in the college game. He was immediately thrown into the starting lineup as a sophomore and finished the year with 37 tackles and two picks. As a junior, he busted out with a huge year. He tallied 52 tackles on the season, and had an amazing 21 passes defensed, which tied a school record. Hill closed out his career with another fine showing. He had 54 tackles on the year to go with a sack, and three interceptions. Hill also doubles as a track standout, participating in the 60m, 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay. He took the 2004 ACC outdoor 100m title and indoor 60m title.

There are very few corners in this draft with the speed and natural cover ability that Hill has. He can turn and run with any wideout in this draft. He does not lose any ground when changing directions with the wideout and can mirror any move he makes. Hill is aggressive at making plays on the ball. He’s arguably the top cover corner in the draft.

As great a cover man he is, his only glaring weakness effects every part of his game. His lack of bulk limits what he can do in the running game, and his overall lack of size leads to him having problems matching up one on one against bigger corners.

Tye Hill has the cover skills to be a standout nickel guy at the next level. He may never be a true lockdown guy because he’s limited size wise, but he should still have an impact in coverage for his team. His ability as a cover corner and speed have ensured him of a first round selection. Hill may be the first pure corner selected in the draft.