Atlanta Falcons 2018 Scouting Report: DT B.J. Hill, N.C. State

It was no secret that the Atlanta Falcons were going to face attrition along the defensive line this offseason.

So far during the offseason, the Falcons have viewed veterans Dontari Poe, Adrian Clayborn, and Derrick Shelby all depart The Brotherhood in some form or fashion, whether released or free agency. While they have a young and talented nucleus with Vic Beasley, Grady Jarrett, and Takk McKinley, along with steady veterans in Brooks Reed and Jack Crawford, it is obviously necessary that the Falcons add a few pieces this offseason going forward.

There is a particular prospect out of the ACC that can be what the Falcons are looking for on the interior.

B.J. Hill Scouting Report

Height: 6’4

Weight: 311 lbs

Games watched: vs. Florida State (2017), vs. Louisville (2017), vs. Pittsburgh (2017), vs. Arizona State (2017)

Strengths

Hill’s collegiate career got off to productive start as he was the team’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2014. He was also voted the team’s most outstanding defensive lineman in 2015 and his senior season in 2017, earned honorable mention All-ACC. At a well put together 311-lbs, Hill’s athleticism is one of the best attributes.

Hill also shows reliable hustle by chasing down plays from behind. His get-off at the snap is pretty good as well and stays away from attacking opposing blockers upright. Of course, when playing defensive line, leverage is everything and Hill does not have that issue.

Against the run, Hill is stout and has shown consistency against the run over the duration of his career. While solid during his career, Hill gained a few extra fans at the Senior Bowl this year and at the Combine, where he impressed by placing fourth amongst defensive linemen in the bench press with 35 reps and fifth in the 3-cone drill with a time of 7.28.

Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Weaknesses

Ever heard of the term “point-of-attack”? Well, Hill has to improve in that department. At times, Hill wins his battles but there are moments where his play strength at the point of attack is non-existent. Hill was not necessarily a source of sacks and number of pressures. Although Hill has the potential to be a three-down player at the next level, his skill set shows that he may be a better fit on early downs until he shows the ability to get upfield a little more consistently.

Conclusion

Hill is an interesting prospect. He has good size and is well put together and has more than enough intangibles for the Falcons to add to their talented bunch on defense. His issues are fixable and when watching his film, it is obvious that he has untapped potential. Potential that a head coach like Dan Quinn and defensive line coach like Bryant Young can pull out of Hill.

His Combine and postseason workouts have helped his cause. Hill can be implemented into the Falcons scheme at roughly 315-320 lbs and be a disruptive 1-Tech defensive tackle. Hill’s athleticism will blend right in to what the Falcons are currently building. Currently, he has a late 2nd-3rd round range and has the potential to be a great piece in Atlanta.