Holton Hill already making a good impression at Vikings camp

Off-the-field issues caused Hill to go undrafted, but early impressions indicate that the Minnesota Vikings could have struck gold with the rookie.

On talent alone, Minnesota Vikings rookie Holton Hill was one of the most intriguing cornerback prospects in this year’s NFL Draft class. The Texas product has the size (6-foot-2, 198 pounds) and athleticism (4.49 40-yard dash time) that made him attractive to teams around the league heading into the draft process.

However, Hill also had a rap sheet that turned teams away. The 21-year old was suspended by coach Tom Herman for breaking a team rule last season and according to Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, the corner tested positive for marijuana at this year’s NFL Combine.

Those red flags took Hill off the board for many teams and it resulted in him not getting his name called during the draft last April. Despite his baggage, the corner’s talent was clearly worth enough for the Vikings to take a risk on him as an undrafted free agent.

Even though Minnesota has only had a handful of rookie practices and two full-squad workouts without pads during training camp so far this year, Hill is making that gamble look smart as he’s stood out through the first few sessions.

“He’s done a good job thus far,” Vikings defensive coordinator George Edwards said while addressing the media on Sunday. “He’s in a learning situation, but he’s got good length, he’s got good speed. We just look for him to come out here and be consistent with the calls and communications every day, the techniques and fundamentals. He’s still just working and coming out here competing every day and that’s what we’re looking for him to continue to do.”

Along with Edwards, Hill’s early season performance has also earned the praise of his teammates including top Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes. The All-Pro corner was more than happy to share his thoughts with the media when asked about Hill on Sunday.

“Holton is a good man,” Rhodes said. “Great guy. Chip on his shoulder. He is hungry. Actually, he pulled me to the side last night, asking me a question. That is the type of guy you want on the team, who is willing to learn, can do whatever it takes to be the best. I can see it in his eyes that he really wants it.”

Minnesota Vikings

Even the guys lining up against Hill have already seen what a talent he could be. Minnesota receiver Stefon Diggs was impressed with the rookie cornerback after working against him in camp and also reiterated that to the media.

“As a corner, you can see he has the confidence,” Diggs said. “At corner, guys are feeling their way around. He has that confidence and plays with it. I like him as a player and I like what he brings to the table.”

With all these early words of praise for Hill, it’s clear that his talent doesn’t match the typical designation for an undrafted free-agent. If he keeps his head on straight, the Vikings could have a steal on their hands and be forced to make the decision to keep Hill over veteran Terrance Newman.

“I don’t know where he got drafted, at this point it doesn’t matter,” Diggs said on Sunday. “He is a special talent, you can see flashes of it early and that is a good sign. I am pulling for him. I’m kind of trying not to make the spot hot right now, you can’t tell everyone about him, but he is going to be a good player I hope.”