Trevon Hill signing with Patriots as UFA is good fit in NE 3-4
Miami Hurricanes defensive end Trevon hill signing with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in their 3-4 defense is a good fit as a versatile defender.
One of the knocks on Trevon Hill and likely part of the reason he went undrafted is that many teams consider him undersized on the defensive line. At 6’3 248 pounds Hill could be a good fit in the New England 3-4 defense. Some draft analysts including Mel Kiper Jr of ESPN project Hill as more of an outside linebacker than defensive end.
Trevon Hill clocked a 4.89 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine which is a bit on the slow side at OLB. In a conference call with Miami beat writers in February, Kiper Jr. stated that Hill has the pass-rush ability that NFL teams are looking for. Hill appears to have put some indiscretions behind him that occurred at Virginia Tech.
Miami head coach Manny Diaz credited Hill with being a leader during his one season in Coral Gables. Hill was the third DE in the Miami rotation in 2019. As a graduate transfer Hill played behind redshirt freshman Greg Rousseau and junior Jonathan Garvin for most of the season.
In 12 games in 2019, Hill finished with 27 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Hill did not play on Miami’s 14-0 loss to Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl. Hill could be a player that the Patriots have to develop into an edge rusher as an OLB in their 3-4 defense. Kiper was impressed with Hill’s pass-rushing ability.
Patriots have added bunch of Canes late in draft or as undrafted rookie free agents in recent years, including Braxton Berrios, Tyler Gauthier, Trent Harris, Tyree St. Louis, with Jeff Thomas and Trevon Hill the latest
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) April 26, 2020
"“I look at it right now and I think Trevon Hill has upside, the transfer from Virginia Tech, because of the pass rush everybody wants. He has flashed that. I thought he’d be a little more consistent with that, more productive with that this year.”"
The lack of consistency, the dismissal from Virginia Tech and being between positions as a DE and OLB all contributed to Hill plummeting out of the draft. Hill has an excellent opportunity with Miami teammate Jeff Thomas in NE. Fitting into the Patriots way on and off the field is either going to be a benefit or detriment.
dark. Next. Jeff Thomas signing with Patriots could be perfect fit
Bill Belichick has not shown a lot of patience with players but for those who adhere to the Patriots system and produce on the field, it is the right place to develop into outstanding NFL players. In the modern NFL Hill’s ability to get to the quarterback is critical. There should be a spot for him on NE or somewhere in the NFL.