LA Chargers: Grading the 2020 wide receiver group

K.J. Hill

The LA Chargers knew they needed to address the wide receiver position sufficiently in this draft. That meant taking more than one this year. While most seventh rounds in NFL draft history aren’t littered with talent, Tom Telesco found value he simply couldn’t pass up with Hill out of Ohio State.

Hill ultimately slipped in the draft because he isn’t particularly fast or tall. If that’s the standard though, perhaps someone like Allen would’ve slipped to the seventh round if he was in this year’s draft. The comparisons between the two are there. Both have suboptimal size and speed with great route-running ability.

That’s not to say Hill will eventually become Allen, but that’s what his potential ceiling could be. In his three years as a starter at Ohio State, Hill averaged 61 receptions per season for 690 yards. His production was always insane.

He’s also the all-time receptions leader at Ohio State. Remember that receivers such as Cris Carter, Terry Glenn, Michael Thomas, and Santonio Holmes all played for similar amounts of time there.

Hill’s initial role will be from the slot. With Allen and Williams on the outside, it will be up to him to take advantage of mismatches on the inside. Offensive coordinator Shane Steichen has said just as much.

He also has really smooth hands when it comes to receiving. Never dropping a pass over 20 yards is one thing, but the ball just seems to stick to his hands with some beautiful one-handed grabs. Despite not having the sexy combine measurables that general managers hope for, Hill is primed to make a difference at the next level with his route running, production from the slot, and nice touch.