The Giants used their second third round pick (69th overall) on BJ Hill, a defensive tackle and NC State. Hill played both the one technique (over the center's shoulder) and three technique (between the center and guard) for the Wolfpack. He'll be playing defensive end in the Giants 3-4 base scheme, but in sub-package he can return to what he did at NC State as a penetrating defensive tackle inside.
• Hill looks like a NFL player. It seems like a basic and simple thing to say but sometimes linemen look overwhelmed by the size, speed and strength of NFL offensive linemen. Hill doesn't. If you didn't know he was a rookie you would think he was a young veteran by how he looks on the field.
• It is not going to be a big adjustment for Hill on the field even playing in an odd-front 3-4 scheme. He didn't play the five technique (lined up over the offensive tackle's shoulder) as a 3-4 defensive end in college but his responsibilities and technique will be similar to what he did in college. He's just lined up over a different offensive lineman. He is still being asked to be responsible for one gap and get up the field.
• During mandatory minicamp it appeared as though Hill, Damon Harrison and Dalvin Tomlinson were making up the starting base defensive line. He moved inside to one of the tackle positions when the team went to a four man line in sub-package.
• With the lack of pads and contact it is very difficult to judge Hill's power and strength but in pad work during drills he didn't seem lacking at all.
• What you did immediately see from him during unpadded practices was his burst and first step. He found himself in the opponent's backfield a few times, which is exactly where James Bettcher wants him. Hill is not your traditional space eating defensive tackle. He as some wiggle and explosion to him.
• The reports on Hill coming out of college spoke about a hard working professional that had all the intangibles you want out of a football player. So far those reports appear to be completely accurate. He has been a pleasure to watch work on the field and off.
• Based on what I have seen so far I would feel very comfortable having Hill play a prominent role on the defensive line as a rookie.
