The lazy narrative bothers me too, because effort doesn’t seem to be an issue for Hill.
However, there
does seem to be some problem(s) for Hill, because the guy barely saw the field in his rookie season. Perhaps he’s a slow learner or has a learning disability. Maybe he just has a difficult personality and sulks a lot. Or is it just that his technique reverts back to his initial DT training when the bullets are flying?
I remember him being called a “Bull in a china shop” in a pre-draft writeup. Perhaps he plays out of control and Marinelli couldn’t trust him to not blow his assignment. Leave a gaping hole in run defense, and coaches aren’t going to care how explosive you are, they won’t play you much.
We just don’t know. What we do know though is that in 2019 he got precious few snaps in a defensive line rotation that really could have used a guy with his kind of explosion and ability to disrupt. His first step explosion is among the best in football, and that is very, very high on my personal list of what I want in a defensive tackle. There are guys that weigh 30 pounds less than Hill that can’t even dream of getting into the backfield as quickly as him.
Trystan has a ton of potential to be a disruptor to offenses, and what he could bring to the defense is incredibly valuable.
Of course, the problem is that if things don’t click for him and he doesn’t improve on his ability to do what the coaches ask of him, he will be just another sad case of unfulfilled potential. At this point, I’d say it’s 50/50 on him either being a bust or turning into a very good player. A second round pick that is a coin flip probability to hit isn’t exactly what we want, but that’s where we are with Hill.
His effort and desire to play isn’t a problem though, I agree with that.
Here are a couple of guys from The Draft Network and what they say specifically about his effort and playing to the whistle:
Marino:
Effort - One of the most urgent football players I have ever seen. Plays every snap like his life depends on it. Always pursues the football at a full sprint. Gets knocked down and immediately pops up looking for the football. More technique is needed to take advantage of his effort and turn it into consistent play,asking.
Play Speed - There’s no doubt that he plays fast with insane urgency but it can be to his detriment and he’ll run right out of his rush lanes and run fits. Creates levels in the run game by getting too far up the field.
Ledyard:
Competitive Toughness - Part of a heavy rotation, but played unbelievably hard when he was on the field. Ridiculous hustle in every game to attempt to chase down runners away from his gap. Plays with reckless abandon and physicality. Chirps too.
Range - Despite elite hustle, doesn't have great range and speed is average for the position. Will make plays with his effort that some more rangy defensive tackles wouldn't consider attempting. Short-area quickness is impressive, some of his tackles for loss involved quick lateral movement.
https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/trysten-hill
Anyway, the guy isn’t lazy, but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have a problem. We all hope that the new staff manages to fix whatever the issue is, but at this point, I’ll have to see it before I get excited at all about what he can be. If he played up to his traits and abilities, he will be a hell of a player. What he does have going for him is that the entire defense disappointed last year and frankly, was a mess. I don’t see any reason not to give him at least some kind of break for that.
If not? Well that’s why they drafted Gallimore. I’m greedy though... I want both to hit.
