Cory's Corner: Kylin Hill Was The Preseason Sparkplug
Don't even think about overlooking this seventh round pick.
There weren’t a lot of highlights from the Packers preseason slate this year.
Not very much was learned from a team that saw at least 30 players not even dress for all three games.
But the Packers found a little sizzle at running back. Kylin Hill did his best imitation of Aaron Jones during preseason by running around, through and past unassuming defenders.
“He can stick his foot in the ground and make the cuts,” said Packers coach Matt Lafleur earlier in camp.
Hill, 23, was chosen as the 256th player in the 2021 NFL Draft. There are 259 players drafted each year, but Hill has proven that he really belongs and none of that matters anymore. The 5-foot-10, 214-pounder from Mississippi State was a first-team all-SEC selection as a junior in 2019 after leading the conference in rushing and then followed that up by setting a school record for receiving yards in a single game by a running back in his senior season. That final season in Starkville, Mississippi was peculiar. He played in three games, suffered a concussion, then didn’t play for personal reasons before finally deciding to opt out of the rest of the season and focus on the NFL Draft.
There’s a lot to like about Hill. First and foremost, is his running ability. He has speed and power. He has a nice shake, plenty of burst but at the same time, he’s not afraid to take on any defender that stands in his way. Then there’s the added benefit of him being an excellent receiver and you have the perfect Packers equation — versatility.
“The game certainly isn’t too big for him,” Lafleur said.
Hill easily lapped everyone for the No. 3 running back job. He looked comfortable and knew he belonged at this level.
Those are traits that you cannot teach. You either know that you have it or don’t. And Hill has that innate ability to know that he possesses that “it” quality that all running backs drool over.
Since he’s the No. 3 back, playing time and snaps will be tough to come by. But his Swiss Army Knife availability will likely get him on the field sooner. He could potentially be lined up all over the field, including receiver.
Hill was the preseason spark plug. When he was on the field, you had to watch, because you didn’t want to miss him trucking a defensive back or juking a linebacker. That’s perfect for an offense that will have a lot of fun and put up plenty of points.
He’s a lot better than a seventh round draft pick and he’s going to remind the NFL of that each time he gets a chance this season.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (10)
NickPerry
August 31, 2021 at 06:54 am
I love this kid and the fact he LEAD the SEC in rushing speaks volumes about his abilities as a runner. Personally I like players from the SEC because you know without a doubt he's faced some of the best talent in college football. So far Hill has hit the hole he was supposed to, bounced outside when it wasn't there, and when he saw the End Zone, Hill got there and got he TD.
I like what Gute did in this years draft which was draft from the biggest and best conferences in college football. Without much of a season last year or at least one definitely hindered by COVID19, Gute stuck with the "Power Conferences" and it at least looks like it will really pay off.
The Packers are SET at the RB position this year, next year, and a couple years after that. The Browns may have Chubb and Hunt, but I like Jones, Dillion, and Hill even more. Kylin Hill had a big future if he can stay healthy and the Packers have an equally potent O-Line.
Damn...I like this TEAM!
Leatherhead
August 31, 2021 at 01:14 pm
I don’t think you’re the best runner in the toughest conference by accident. He’s for real, and I again wonder why we gave all that money to Jones
Roadrunner23
August 31, 2021 at 07:19 am
If this truly is Rodgers last year as QB (which I’m not so sure about) then the “3 headed monster” of Jones-Dillon-Hill will be a great tool to usher in the Jordan Love era!
With that backfield and a great O line, Love should be able to effectively operate the offense without the extra pressure of having to win every game on his own.
Great job Gute 🤩
Leatherhead
August 31, 2021 at 01:18 pm
The three headed monster will be as good as the road graders in front of them. Love will be good when he has time and is protected.
Coldworld
August 31, 2021 at 07:39 am
Hill is a great find, great value and fit. For me, however, the true spark was Malik Taylor. His development in terms of route tree, route running and awareness is really quite remarkable. His ability to move the chains showed up repeatedly.
As a kid who came in unbelievably raw in terms of those skills, he’s developed remarkably, which indicates the attitude and desire one wants. It’s easy to forget based on prior play that he’s 6’2” and a bit and one of the fastest in the team. He seems to have added strength as well. I don’t think we’ve really seen his athleticism fully yet. I think we will now.
Taylor and Nijman were both UDFAs based upon being essentially technique deprived athletes. To have two such players looking like they have acquired the technical nous to add to their physical tools in one year is like having two free high draft picks. In Nijman’s case, if his growth continues, it is not impossible that he proves to be the best tackle in the year he came out. In Taylor’s case we might have found a new Driver, but this time not even drafted.
Quite a result even at this point in their respective careers.
stockholder
August 31, 2021 at 07:49 am
Hill was the spark. Very versatile back. Packers were lucky he fell.
RCPackerFan
August 31, 2021 at 08:04 am
This years draft was set up to find players late that may have slipped through the cracks. There were players that would go late in the draft or undrafted because of schools either not playing or players opting out. This draft more then ever would go and tell me who had good scouts/gm. I will say so far the very (way to early) signs are that GM and the scouts nailed this draft.
First we drafted Stokes. While he may not be a true starter right away, he will play a lot.
2nd round they took Myers. He will be the starting OC.
3rd round they took Amari Rodgers. He will be a key factor in the return game and on offense right away.
4th round they took Royce Newman. He will be the starting RG.
5th round they took Tedarrell Slaton. He looks like he will be a clog in the middle of the defensive line. He brings size that they simply don't have.
They also took Shemar Jean-Charles. Its not a lock he makes the 53. But he could be a special teams player early and could develop into a player.
6th round they took Cole Van Lanen and Isaiah McDuffie. Neither player is a lock to make it. I am guessing Van Lanen doesn't make the 53 but I could be wrong. I could see them putting him on the PS. McDuffie I thought looked good in the final preseason game. While he likely won't be playing on defense anytime soon, he could become a really good special teams player early on.
Finally in the 7th round with the 256th pick in the draft they took a guy named Kylin Hill. All this kids has done is impressed. Lets not forget that he was the 19th RB selected in the draft, and yet he looks like a guy who could have a real role in the offense. I don't think he is just a 3rd RB. I think he is a guy who will have a big role with the team. His vision reminds me of Jones. He runs with power, has the ability to make tacklers miss. He is an absolute Steal in the 7th round!
In this draft they have 2 starters on the OL. They have a possible starter at CB. They have their return man and key weapon added. They have a potential starting NT. Or at least a package/rotational guy. And they have a 3rd RB who could be a key player for the offense throughout the season. Also he appears to be the front runner for the KR. The early returns on this draft are very good. But Hill was by far the biggest steal they got!
PatrickGB
August 31, 2021 at 09:22 am
And did all that at the bottom of the draft order!
RCPackerFan
August 31, 2021 at 09:43 am
excellent point!
TheVOR
August 31, 2021 at 08:24 am
Ya, Hill and Kurt Benkert who played better Football at the QB position than a certain #1 selection.