The Cleveland Browns upgrades on the defensive side were needed after a poor showing in 2020. The addition of Troy Hill can sometimes go under the radar due to the shadow of the John Johnson III’s signing with both coming over from the Los Angeles Rams.
Outside of the Johnson signing, the name value of the Jadeveon Clowney addition overshadows Hill as well.
As a slot corner, Hill is used to being overlooked. While offenses run three-wide receiver sets far more often than they used to, slot corners still don’t get the recognition, or pay, of corners who play primarily outside as well as other positions.
For the Browns, Hill was an important pickup. While competing with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers (to a lesser extent), Cleveland must have corners who can cover on the inside. Even the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins, primarily running teams, have added receivers this offseason to be able to spread defenses out.
Our colleague, Doug Farrar, put together his ranking of slot defenders in the NFL, and Hill was ranked sixth:
He allowed 44 slot receptions on 66 targets for 395 yards, 216 yards after the catch, one touchdown, three interceptions, and an opponent passer rating of 75.4. Hill will now run the slot for the Browns’ vastly improved secondary, which is a good thing — last season from the slot, Cleveland’s defense allowed four touchdowns, and only cornerback M.J. Stewart could manage above-average coverage.
It is important to note that Farrar is looking at all players while they are defending in the slot, not just “slot corners.” Players like Jalen Ramsey, Bryce Callahan and Tyrann Mathieu are not “slot corners” but are ranked ahead of Hill for their play at the position.
For 2021, the Browns will have a multitude of options as slot defenders. While Hill will play the role primarily, all three of Cleveland’s starting safeties and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah can play in the slot at a high level.
For the Browns, adding a top-flight slot defender in Hill was just a piece of the puzzle this offseason but an important piece.