Dax Hill Set to Start at Corner

What They're Saying

Taylor: "It was a great battle. It wasn't a guy failed so the other one is the starter. It was two guys I really felt like getting the best out of each other. For Dax to be able to assume that responsibility I think is good. It doesn't mean DJ is not playing, (or) that there is not roles we have for these other guys. It's a long season so guys have to be ready for their opportunity to come.

Jason Marcum of SB Nation's Cincy Jungle: "Hill played surprisingly well after struggling mightily at safety last year, so it’s good to see the former first-round pick may have found his natural NFL position."

2024 Fantasy Football Impact

Hill spent most of his time at slot corner in his third and final season at Michigan, after spreading snaps among that and safety spots over his first two years.

As a 2023 Bengals starter, he ranked 159th among 168 qualifying safeties in Pro Football Focus coverage grade -- roughly 26 points lower than his worst coverage grade in college.

We'll see exactly what playing time looks like, with Taylor implying roles for everyone. That, of course, could just mean Turner taking the field if/when Cincinnati uses 4+ CBs in a sub package.

Hill delivered a DB1-level fantasy total last year, on a top-30 per-game scoring average. We'll see, though, what his numbers look like from a new position.

He played just 30 total snaps as an outside CB last year. He should be playing roughly twice that many a week now.

Dynasty Impact

CB tends to be a less fantasy-friendly spot than safety, so Hill's certainly not gaining scoring potential with the position switch. But getting on the field beats not playing.

We'll see whether he becomes fantasy relevant at the new position.

Rankings Movement

Check our DB rankings to see where the Bengals' top five secondary players landed.