Lavert Hill Overview
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5’-10”
Weight: 190 pounds
School: Michigan
NFL Combine Performance Data
Bench Press: 21 reps
Lavert Hill 2020 NFL Draft Profile
After four successful seasons with Michigan, cornerback Lavert Hill is looking to take his career to the professional level in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Big-10 cornerback has arguably his best season to date in 2019, allowing 14 receptions on 31 targets for just 214 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. While some of these numbers are artificially inflated by atrocious quarterbacking, his 39.7 passer rating allowed was one of the best in the nation.
Hill initially entered the collegiate ranks as a four-star recruit. After receiving a wide variety of offers, Hill eventually decided to join his brother at the University of Michigan. After spending his freshman season as a depth piece, Hill finally earned a starting spot in 2017. During his sophomore season, Hill allowed just 13 receptions on 31 targets for 210 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. One year later, Hill allowed 16 receptions on 36 targets for 183 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Strengths
- High percentage of reps came in press coverage;
- Solid feet, rarely a wasted motion in protection;
- Instinctive player with above-average ball skills;
- Above-average ability to recover when beat;
- Impressive lateral agility and change of direction.
Weaknesses
- Miniscule build probably won’t translate to the NFL level;
- Got roasted every time he faced off against elite college talent;
- Cannot compete against superior athletes on contested catches;
- Handsy style of play will lead to penalties at the NFL level;
- Might have to be a full-time slot cornerback;
- Atrocious run defender;
- Build suggests he’s going to miss a lot of tackles in the NFL.
NFL Comparison: Duke Dawson
Teams With Need at Position: Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins
Projection: Sixth round
Bottom Line on Lavert Hill
Lavert Hill has a few interesting traits that should give him a chance to compete for a job in training camp. Playing press coverage at a high level is one of the most valuable things a cornerback can do, and Hill has tons of experience in press. He knows how to line up against his man, engage early, and stick with him through the route. It’s impossible to play press without ever getting beat, and Hill’s recovery speed is as good as you could possibly hope for. Additionally, he has above-average ball skills and a good football IQ.
That said, Hill probably won’t make too big of an impact at the NFL level. The Michigan product is simply too small for the NFL and consistently got bullied by bigger, stronger, and faster receivers. This problem is only going to compound at the NFL level, and it’s hard to imagine him adding enough play strength to offset the jump in difficulty. While he has a lot of experience in press coverage, he tends to grab on to his receivers, which means he’ll generate quite a few flags in coverage. He probably won’t be able to do much on special teams either, as he was an atrocious run defender and is going to struggle to fend off blocks and complete tackles.
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