By Ross Jackson
Versatility is coveted in the NFL.
Some players show theirs by being able to play multiple positions on an offensive line or secondary. Big names get recognized when they can line up at wide receiver and running back. But New Orleans Saints’ offensive weapon Taysom Hill is simply “built different.”
Hill is the equivalent of a “call now” campaign for your local do-it-all insurance lawyer. Need a running back? Call Hill. Need a wide receiver? Call Hill. Need a tight end that may also throw a pass? Call Hill.
The Saints’ versatile chess piece can do it all on offense. Not just in terms of where he lines up, but in terms of his skillset. He can block, throw, run and catch. A rare breed in the NFL, so much so that he is the only player across the league finding success across each of these talents. Head coach Dennis Allen has even admitted to wanting to play Hill on defense.
Hill has been such an impact player, leading the team in combined rushing and receiving touchdowns over the last three years. When watching him throughout training camp, it can become easy to simply expect his excellence. But his new role is going to command greater recognition than that.
Hill went from taking offensive snaps at tight end and wideout to adding more snaps at running back and fullback. Not only is he taking those snaps, but he has quickly found success in the backfield. Against San Francisco he rushed for 21 yards and a touchdown on five carries, none of which came from the quarterback spot. Hill’s designed run game from the shotgun has contributed to the majority of his career rushing production so far.
Adding the potential for additional production from tailback and fullback in the run game could help take Hill’s game to another level. Based on Hill’s usage in that second preseason game, it also shows a commitment to getting him on the field and putting the ball in his hands, a commitment that was lost in some games over the last few years.
Hill will still take his snaps at quarterback as well. Allen made that very clear early in the offseason. Even challenging opposing defenses to make sure their gameplans are ready. That confidence in Hill looks ready to translate to the field. Calling the versatile weapon’s number has typically yielded great things for this offseason. A great concentration on keeping him involved should help to provide even more success.
