NFL draft: Seattle nabs Michigan's Delano Hill in third-round surprise

Delano Hill was Michigan's big Friday surprise.

The former U-M safety was picked by the Seattle Seahawks with the No. 95 pick in Friday's third round of the NFL draft, becoming the fifth Wolverines defensive player selected in the first three rounds.

Hill was projected as a fifth- or sixth-round pick.

But he ran really fast at the NFL scouting combine as one of the top five safeties and that opened more doors, especially considering he proved his run-stopping ability with the Wolverines.

"Running that 4.47 40 at the combine certainly got everybody’s attention," ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. said on the telecast.

It was enough to convince the Seahawks, who see Hill as a multi-position safety and possible a nickel.

"We know he can play safety, he’s played a lot and is very physical," Seattle coach Pete Carroll said on the wrap-up news conference. "He fits right in the framework of our style that we love to see. And also he’s played on the slot, so he’s played kind of the nickel quite a bit and the ability to cover receivers. Which is good. As always, we’ll check out our guys out and see what the expanse of his play will bring. We have to see how he matches up with wide receivers."

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While nickel is a possibility, his aggressiveness helps more at safety.

“We would say more strong and free," Carroll said. "He looks like a hitter, he’s really physical and might be a little more like Kam (Chancellor’s) style. He’s done everything, Michigan has shown all of that. It’s really a good evaluation for us."

Hill was a second-team All-Big Ten honoree last year with 52 tackles, 4.5 for loss, and a forced fumble.

“This guy’s tape grew on me as we continues to watch it,” ESPN’s Todd McShay said. “There’s 11-12 prospects on that Michigan defense you’re trying to sort through and safeties are always hard because they don’t have a ton of plays where they’re at the point of attack. But Delano Hill, as I continued to watch, I liked his angles against the run, really consistently around the ball. To me he’s a player that’s going to come in, doesn’t have elite range, has some tightness in coverage. But he’s physical and he has the right mentality to contribute on special teams."

But he also showed coverage skills, making three interceptions, including returning one for a touchdown.

Detroit Cass Tech had a big night at the NFL draft with Hill following high school and Michigan teammate Jourdan Lewis, who went to Dallas at No. 92.

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