Tag: K.J. Hill

Ryan Day says Chargers got a steal by drafting K.J. Hill in the seventh round

Ohio State wide receiver K.J. Hill fell to the 7th round in the 2020 NFL Draft. Ohio State coach Ryan Day says the Chargers got a steal.

The NFL draft never goes quite like anyone thinks. All the mocks and grades don’t mean squat when things are put in motion and so many moving parts begin to clang against each other. But if you’re a Buckeye fan, you were a bit perplexed by the fall of wide-receiver K.J. Hill.

Most draft projections had Hill going somewhere in the middle rounds. He showed out at the Senior Bowl and had a very, very productive career at Ohio State. He may not be the fastest guy out there, but his route running got him open plenty (just turn on the tape).

Still, as the draft went on, Hill kept plunging further and further as more and more receivers were taken off the board, some that weren’t even a part of most draft projections. Thirty-three pass catchers were taken before Ohio State’s all-time leader in receptions finally had his name called in the seventh round (33!).

Look, I know it was a deep wide-receiver class, but that’s crazy for a guy that has the character, work ethic, hands, route-running, and production the four-year starter in Columbus has.

For Ryan Day, he could barely fathom it. During a press-conference Sunday to discuss the draft, the Ohio State head coach was asked disappointing draft moments, and he singled out Hill first of anyone.

“That one I don’t understand,” said Day. “To see him go in the seventh round…. most productive receiver in Ohio State history.” He went on to say the Chargers got a steal.

It’s really hard to disagree too. Hill went against much better defensive backs throughout his career than some other names from schools that faced lesser competition. As is the case a lot of times, the NFL types fall in love with potential and numbers rather than what a guy has proven to be.

In the case of Hill, don’t be surprised if he goes from a seventh-round pick to a starter somewhere in the NFL. He’s that type of talent, and he comes from some really good coaching.

Chargers announce rookie jersey numbers for 2020 season

The Los Angeles Chargers announced the jersey numbers for their 2020 draft class.

The Chargers announced the jersey numbers for their 2020 rookie class on Sunday.

  • QB Justin Herbert – 10
  • LB Kenneth Murray – 56
  • RB Joshua Kelley – 27
  • WR Joe Reed – 12
  • S Alohi Gilman – 32
  • WR K.J. Hill – 84

One takeaway from the announcement of the jersey numbers is that Gilman will wear No. 32, which was previously worn by safety Nasir Adderley. This upcoming season Adderley will wear No. 24.

Jerseys for Herbert and Murray are now available for purchase.

POLL: Who was your favorite pick of the Chargers 2020 draft class?

K.J. Hill was our favorite selection made by the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers made six selections in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Four were spent on the offensive side of the ball, while the other two were on the defensive side of the ball.

Another look at Los Angeles’ haul

Round 1 – Justin Herbert, QB

Round 1 – Kenneth Murray, LB

Round 4 – Joshua Kelley, RB

Round 5 – Joe Reed, WR

Round 6 – Alohi Gilman, S

Round 7 – K.J. Hill

We felt like L.A. brought in players that could make an impact right away as well as others that will be key pieces down the road.

Wide receiver K.J. Hill was our favorite because the Chargers managed to get excellent value, and we believe that he is going to be able to produce in a similar fashion as Keenan Allen because of his route-running ability.

We want to hear who your guy’s favorite selection was. Vote in the poll below to let your opinion known.

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4 takeaways from Chargers’ 2020 NFL Draft

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez breaks down his thoughts on the Los Angeles Chargers’ haul from the 2020 NFL Draft.

The 2020 NFL Draft is officially history.

Here are four takeaways from the Chargers’ draft class:

Life after Philip Rivers

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

A new era begins for the Chargers. After 16 years with Philip Rivers under center, Justin Herbert takes the reins. Herbert was selected with the team’s first-round pick (No. 6 overall)

With Tyrod Taylor on the roster, I wouldn’t be surprised if we didn’t see Herbert take a single snap at all this upcoming season – barring any injuries. Using 2020 as a redshirt year would be beneficial for Herbert.

Even though Herbert possesses the talent to become a successful NFL quarterback, there are still some deficiencies in his game that need improvement, primarily his processor and eye discipline.

Overall, Los Angeles knew that they were in a prime position to land one of the top signal-callers and they didn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on the one that the scouting department and team personnel has loved for years.

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WATCH: Chargers new WR K.J. Hill’s route-running clinic

The Los Angeles Chargers drafted Keenan Allen 2.0 in the seventh-round.

The Chargers’ annual draft steal came in the seventh-round with the selection of former Ohio State wide receiver K.J. Hill.

Hill, the 5-foot-11 and 196 pound wideout isn’t going to win with speed or physicality to box out defenders, but he will put them on skates with crisp route-running.

That was a large part of him setting Ohio State’s record in receptions (201). Getting open and catching everything thrown his way is the name of his game.

You know who else has a knack for that on the Chargers? Keenan Allen.

Hill said he modeled his game after Allen. He used to watch Allen tape while he was in college. “I’m a route technician,” Hill said.

To get an idea of what Hill brings to Los Angeles, below are his highlights from this past season:

Twitter reacts to Chargers’ selection of WR K.J. Hill

The Los Angeles Chargers got incredible value with the selection of wide receiver K.J. Hill.

The Chargers rounded out their draft class with the selection of former Ohio State wide receiver K.J. Hill.

It’s safe to say that fans of the team were excited when the pick was announced.

Here’s a look at Twitter:

Why Chargers fans should be excited about new WR K.J. Hill

The Los Angeles Chargers got a steal with their seventh-round pick.

The Chargers drafted Joe Reed in the fifth-round, but the additions didn’t stop there.

Los Angeles drafted former Ohio State WR K.J. Hill with their final pick in the draft (No. 220).

Getting Hill in the seventh-round is an absolute steal. He finished as my No. 93 overall player and 14th-ranked wide receiver on my top-100 big board.

Hill is an efficient route runner from the slot who possesses the short-area quickness, hands, and flashes of playmaking ability. His lack of size, strength and speed holds him back, but he knows how to consistently get open to mask the deficiencies.

Along with being a technician in the route-running department, Hill has a knack for making acrobatic catches and plenty of third-down & red zone conversions. In addition to that, he is an outstanding blocker.

Hill and Reed join a wide receiver room that features Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Andre Patton and Darius Jennings.

Prior to the draft, this position needed attention. The selection of Reed was solid, but getting Hill in the seventh-round is an absolute home run.

Ohio State players in the 2020 NFL Draft: Los Angeles Chargers select WR K.J. Hill in 7th round

Ohio State WR K.J. Hill has been selected by the LA Chargers in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 220th overall pick.

The final day of the 2020 NFL Draft is almost over, and wide receiver K.J. Hill had to wait longer than he expected, being the latest Ohio State player to go off the board in round seven. He was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers with the 220th overall pick. He’ll join former Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa.

Hill may not be the fastest guy in the draft, but his route-running is second to none. He’s got great hands and leadership qualities who is a skilled receiver that set the Ohio State school record with 201 career receptions between 2016-2019.

He also finished sixth in school history with 2,332 career receiving yards and caught 20 touchdown passes. It was also a career of consistency for him. He’s the first Ohio State receiver with three seasons of 50-or-more receptions.

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Hill could go in the slot and over the middle for Chargers and hopes to continue the trend of successful OSU NFL wide receivers that includes a nation’s-best 19 draft picks since 2000. If Dobbins was a steal in the second round, this one might be grand theft larceny at the very back end of the draft.

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8 players the Philadelphia Eagles could target in round-4 of the NFL Draft

8 players the Eagles could target in round-4 of the NFL Draft

The Philadelphia Eagles are set to begin round four of the NFL Draft but all fans can think about right now is the No. 53 overall pick being used on a quarterback for development purposes.

The 2020 NFL Draft has put Rounds 2 and 3 in the books, and there are still a handful of talented players still available on the big board.

With 149 picks to go here are eight players that the Eagles could target with their three picks in round four.

***

1. Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State

Weaver (6-2, 265 pounds) is a high-energy pass rusher that has a huge upside and could help the Eagles transition into a new era when Brandon Graham is done. Weaver racked up 13.5 sacks in 14 games during his final college season.

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15 Players to watch for the Browns on Day 3

15 Players to watch for the Browns on Day 3

We are onto Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft and there are still impact players out there. Along with every other Cleveland fan, I hope that the front office will find those diamonds in the rough. After taking three defensive players on Day 2, it will be interesting to see what’s next. Here are 15 players on my radar:

1. Netane Muti, G, Fresno St., 6-3, 315 pounds: Muti is a dominant player that plays with a mean streak like Jedrick Wills, but injuries will always be a lingering concern.

2. Ben Bredeson, G, Michigan, 6-5, 315 pounds: A big and strong high floor prospect, Bredeson doesn’t have ideal athleticism.

3. John Simpson, G, Clemson, 6-4, 321 pounds: Another strong high floor prospect that lacks elite athleticism, but can play in a run-heavy scheme.

4. Nick Harris, C, Washington, 6-1, 302 pounds: Can play anywhere on the interior with ideal foot quickness, but lacks the ideal body type.

5. Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin, 6-4, 314 pounds: All-American started every game of his career and looks like the prototypical center, but unable to provide versatility anywhere else.

6. Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington, 6-2, 248 pounds: Intriguing large receiver with impressive YAC ability, but fails as an inline blocker.

7. Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue, 6-4, 245 pounds: Fantastic athlete with explosive burst off the line, but his combine numbers don’t reflect his on-field speed.

8. Harrison Bryant, TE, Florida Atlantic, 6-5, 243 pounds: Long red-zone target, but terrible blocker.

9. Bradlee Anae, DE, Utah, 6-3, 257 pounds: Technically impressive pass-rushing specialist with limited athleticism.

10. Curtis Weaver, DE, Boise St., 6-2, 265 pounds: Extremely productive college career against inferior competition.

11. Collin Johnson, WR, Texas, 6-6, 22 pounds: Insane catch radius, but lacks deep speed.

12. K.J. Hill Jr., WR, Ohio St., 6-0, 196 pounds: Productive career with elite route-running ability, but maybe limited to slot.

13. Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin, 6-1, 202 pounds: Fun and athletic on tape, but numbers didn’t show up at combine.

14. Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan, 6-2, 212 pounds: Has great burst and athletic traits, but fails to create separation.

15. Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota, 6-1, 206 pounds: Insanely productive and had first round tape against Auburn displaying technique like few in this class, doesn’t have ideal measurables.