The fact that the Bengals selected Dax Hill in the first round of the 2022 draft had something to do with quite an obvious reality. That is, Jessie Bates III was under the franchise tag during that time, and his future was questionable.

So, Hill came in as that next option at safety, someone they could grow into that role. But after four seasons, things changed.

Hill has lined up at three defensive spots so far for the Bengals: cornerback, slot cornerback, and safety, as the team underwent changes in the secondary. In that span, he has started 41 of 54 games, with 239 tackles, 24 pass deflections, and 2.5 sacks. This could have been better if his position hadn’t changed so often.

This past year was when things started settling down, at least for a period of time. It was somewhere around Week 9 when he went outside, playing alongside DJ Turner. He finished the year starting all 17 games, with 88 tackles and 11 pass deflections. Hill ranked 14th among cornerbacks in yards allowed per coverage snap, while Turner was seventh, per Next Gen Stats.

But the Hill situation didn't settle yet, as ESPN's Ben Baby stated that the cornerback market is on the rise at the moment, and this might affect positions in Cincinnati. Given that Hill and Turner, both headed for contract extensions soon, and the draft being around the corner, the next step would be taken carefully.

Will The Bengals Change Dax Hill’s Position Again?

That would have everything to do with their next move. They have the 10th pick, and should they opt for a cornerback as one who would work from the outside, it would immediately impact Hill.

The other thing to consider is the slot cornerback position, as Mike Hilton was not included in last year’s roster. Now, they can shift Hill into the middle once again is something to consider because it's worked for them before.

Head coach Zac Taylor didn’t commit to anything either, saying they would have a clearer picture after the draft. While Hill said, as per ESPN, "I just want to take the next step [as a player]. Whatever the future looks like, making sure that I'm in a good position."

Also, there is a financial side too. Since the Bengals have committed huge contracts to Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, totaling $276 million, and as stated earlier, with cornerbacks' contracts worth at least $20 million, drafting a rookie for the position would be a cheaper option.

But this will affect the secondary, obviously. So Hill’s role is more like what comes next for the roster as a whole, because it's all interlinked to some extent.

What do you think Dax Hill's next move should be?

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Written by

Rudra Dubey

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi