Much of the NFL draft is based on the perception of what a player can do. I’m sure there are some whims, like Jerry having a fascination say with Johnny Manziel, that override fit, need, etc.
Presumably these teams have watched every play of every game. Maybe they look at a stat sheet, but their evaluation of play will be based on the film and how those plays were made.
Hill is an interesting player. He plays hard. This year he was very impactful in the 4th quarter versus MSU. We did fine without him versus the Ags.
Now whether people like the PFF or not, their rationale likely has a similar twist to the NFLs perspective. Hill isn’t particularly highly graded as a pass rusher. If I were to argue yeah but, it would be on the side of he hasn’t developed the pash rush element of his game because of practice time rather than in game deployment. So again the NFL is projecting. Theres been a question raised on how his physical presence lacks physical development. His profile does not fit that of a pass rusher and to date the skills don’t show that either. Many of his sacks are not him beating guys one on one.
He does not play a premium position. I’m not sure he has a,premium trait or skill or a premium part of his game. I’d put his best attribute as that he plays hard so maybe that’s his premium. A second to third round is where he should be expected to go. It’d be difficult to say he’s a steal before the 3rd and likely into the 4th. His position simply doesn’t have many guys go until the 3rd. It’s certainly not a position for which teams reach or take many chances.