BJ Hill

[*ochocincos*]

(09-13-2023, 11:38 AM)WeezyBengal Wrote: What are everyones thoughts on BJ Hill?

BJ Hill is making the 5th most money on this roster. In 2023 and 2024 he's going to be making about 11 million dollars per year. He's making top 10 DT money at his position. His PPF ranking last year was 65 - good, but not outstanding. I think BJ Hill is a nice player - good against the run but doesn't give you a ton in the pass rush department.

We've heard (and seen a little) about the emergence of Zach Carter (he's also cheap).

Is it possible to say that BJ Hill needs to have a pretty good year in order to solidify his spot on this roster going into next year? Would it be a consideration that they possibly use the the BJ Hill money in order to free up space for a Reader extension?

I like Hill because he's well-rounded.

Here are his total pressures (sacks in parentheses) since being a Bengal:
2021 (when LO was on the team) - 29 (6)
2022 - 34 (4)
2023 (1 game) - 2 (0)

Hill did play 179 more pass rush snaps in 2022 than 2021.

I think his contract made sense when he signed it after 2021, as it was expected he would put up (way) more than 29 pressures and 6 sacks if given more snaps.
2022 was arguably a disappointment because his rate of pressures/sacks went down, but they were still solid.
I think this year he'll probably be in the 30-40 pressures range and 4-7 sacks.

If the Bengals want a true IDL pass rusher, I don't think Hill is that guy.
However, there's still value in Hill being on the team next year.
He's a very good rotational guy and decent starter.


Let's see how Carter progresses this year in Year 2 (at least up to the trade deadline) and see if a combo of Carter and Hill becomes a formidable inside pass rush force.
If not, I'm game for maybe trading for a rental at the deadline just for this year (if Bengals have a good record by that point), and/or drafting a guy early next year to factor into the rotation.
Bengals like to draft guys a year early for the most part, and both Tupou and Reader hit FA next year, so they will need some continuity and veteran presence if both guys depart.