Cowboys Draft Target: Oklahoma State RB Justice Hill

NAME: Justice Hill

POSITION: Running Back

SCHOOL: Oklahoma State

CONFERENCE: Big 12

CLASS: Junior

JERSEY: No. 5

RECRUITMENT RATING: 3-star

HT: 5’10”

WT: 198

D.O.B.: 11/14/1997

Highlights:

Pros:

Justice Hill has three years of production and consistency as the primary running back at Oklahoma State, but probably projects better as a change of pace back in the NFL. He is an electric playmaker anytime he has the ball in his hands and was surprisingly durable throughout his college career for a RB his size.

Hill possesses good vision, allowing his blocks to set up before he makes his cuts. Shows a strong cutback ability. Possesses light nimble feet and a jump cut that helps him sidestep defenders. Is elusive in the open field with enough wiggle to make would be tacklers miss in one-on-one situations. Shows good burst and speed to pick up chunk yardage. Good contact balance.

Solid in pass protection, but needs to clean up his technique. Despite not being utilized in the passing game in college, he has the skill set to be more of a factor as a receiver out of the backfield in the NFL. Good, but not great route runner. Needs to become more consistent at the catch point. Speed, elusiveness, and vision could help him become a factor in the return game, even though he wasn’t asked to do it in college.

Cons:

The biggest negative about Justice Hill is obviously his lack of size. This will likely limit him to nothing more than a change of pace running back in the NFL. His small stature also creates durability concerns, especially when you take in consideration is upright running style. Unfortunately, his slight frame may already be maxed out.

Hill wasn’t used much in the passing game at Oklahoma State, only 49 career catches. When he had the opportunity, he didn’t show the softest hands on tape, but was good enough to get the job done. The willingness is there in pass protection and as a chip blocker, but once again his size limits his effectiveness. Also needs to clean up his technique in pass pro.

Will more than likely be a nonfactor in short yardage situations. Just doesn’t have the strength or power to get the job done. Needs to learn to take what’s there in the running game instead of always looking for the home run. Tries to bounce his runs outside too often. There are questions about whether he can contribute in the return game. Has the speed and elusiveness to be a return man, but wasn’t asked to do it in college.

Cowboys Fit:

If the Dallas Cowboys are looking for a running back who can bring a little something different to the table then Ezekiel Elliott, former Oklahoma State RB Justice Hill could be their guy. There is a lot to like about the skill set Hill would bring to the Cowboys offense. He is an electric RB with home run ability any time he touches the ball. He could be the perfect complement to Zeke’s running style.

As exciting as Hill’s college tape is, he is probably nothing more than a change of pace back in the NFL, and would serve in capacity with the Cowboys. There are several areas of his game he still needs to improve upon, but as a rookie he would likely step in and be their third down back. He didn’t do it in college, but his speed and elusiveness could make him a factor in the return game as a kick or punt returner. If the Cowboys like his game, they will probably have to use one of their two fourth-round draft picks to secure his services.