Potential first round Steelers draft targets post free agency

Steelers could target S Daxton Hill

Unlike the rest of the positions on this list, the safety position is the one position that the Steelers have yet to address this offseason. Terrell Edmunds is currently a free agent, and while the team could still bring him in, or sign another option like Tyrann Mathieu, the draft presents some options as well. While Kyle Hamilton is the top safety in this year’s class, he will not make it to Pittsburgh’s spot, but a player like Daxton Hill out of Michigan likely will.

Hill is 6’0″, 191 lbs, and is a Junior who is only 21 years old. Pittsburgh has been known to like selecting Juniors, as they get a younger prospect, and Hill fits that mold. According to NFL.com, Hill ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, showing off his high-end speed, which could be something intriguing for Pittsburgh who doesn’t have a ton of speed currently in the secondary.

Hill’s best attribute is his versatility, as he saw time playing at several different spots at Michigan. He has shown an ability to play slot cornerback in addition to safety, which will make him increasingly attractive to NFL teams. His ability to play multiple different spots on the defense, combined with his willingness to stick his nose in and play against the run is a perfect fit for the Pittsburgh defense and serves as a perfect compliment to Minkah Fitzpatrick who will be roaming the secondary in coverage.

If the team opts not to bring back Edmunds, Hill could be a perfect first-round selection for the Steelers, as he features versatility, toughness, ball-skills, speed, and positional fit for the Steelers. He is certainly a name to keep an eye on as the draft process continues, particularly after the Steelers just attended his Pro Day.