Is Tyreek Hill a Surprise Pick on Draft Day? The Cowboys and the Ravens as Possible Landing Places
When we talk about the draft in the NFL, there are always a few names that stand out, and sometimes, a few players who end up making their way to a team in an unexpected fashion. Tyreek Hill is one of those names that always generates significant conversation. Known for his lightning speed and incredible playmaking ability, Hill has become one of the most dynamic players in the NFL since being drafted. However, the path to his success was far from conventional, and his draft day was filled with surprise, intrigue, and drama.
In this article, we will explore Tyreek Hill’s draft day experience, how he ended up with the Kansas City Chiefs, and whether there was any legitimacy to the rumors linking him to teams like the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens as possible landing spots during the 2016 NFL Draft.
Tyreek Hill’s Background: A Diamond in the Rough
Before we dive into whether Tyreek Hill was a surprise pick or not, it’s important to understand his background and why his draft day was considered unconventional. Hill wasn’t a typical first-round prospect. In fact, he was considered a late-round pick due to a series of off-field issues that had a significant impact on his draft stock.
Hill had been a standout at Oklahoma State University but was dismissed from the team after an arrest related to a domestic violence incident. The legal troubles were a huge red flag for teams, which caused many to shy away from Hill, despite his raw talent. Following his dismissal from Oklahoma State, Hill transferred to West Alabama, a Division II school, where he continued to showcase his incredible speed and playmaking ability. At West Alabama, Hill was able to regain some of his standing as a legitimate prospect.
Despite his impressive college career at a lesser-known school, Hill was still viewed with caution by NFL teams because of his off-field concerns. The rumors swirling around him on draft day were varied. Some believed that Hill might fall to the fifth or even sixth round, but there were whispers that teams like the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens might be interested in taking a chance on his raw talent. However, Hill had not yet proven he could remain out of trouble, and teams had to weigh his potential versus his risk.
The 2016 NFL Draft: The Chiefs Take the Leap
The 2016 NFL Draft was a pivotal one for many teams, but for Hill, it was a chance to prove the naysayers wrong. The draft had many big names, including quarterbacks like Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, but Hill’s name was not among the highly touted players at the top of many boards. In fact, he was a surprise pick at the 165th overall spot (5th round) by the Kansas City Chiefs.
At the time of his selection, Tyreek Hill was still seen as a raw talent—an athlete with incredible speed and potential, but without a proven track record at the highest level of college football. The Chiefs, however, saw something in Hill that others didn’t. They believed that he could be more than just a speedster—he had the potential to become a major playmaker in the NFL.
What made Hill’s selection particularly interesting was the timing. Despite his off-field troubles, Hill’s raw talent as a receiver, returner, and even a potential running back made him an intriguing prospect. The Chiefs, led by Andy Reid as their head coach, were not afraid to take risks on players who had potential and needed guidance. Reid, who had a reputation for successfully developing offensive talent, seemed to be the perfect coach to help Hill unlock his full potential.
Hill’s selection came as a surprise to many because most analysts and experts had not expected him to go as high as he did. While he was certainly talented, the fact that the Chiefs drafted him in the fifth round meant that teams like the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens likely had other priorities or concerns that kept them from taking a shot on Hill.
The Cowboys and Ravens as Possible Landing Spots
Despite Hill’s off-field issues, teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens were frequently mentioned as potential landing spots for the dynamic receiver during the lead-up to the 2016 draft. Let’s explore why both teams were considered possible destinations and why, ultimately, Hill didn’t land with them.
Dallas Cowboys: A Team in Need of Playmakers
The Dallas Cowboys have long been associated with high-profile players and dynamic offenses. In 2016, the Cowboys were in need of adding some serious playmaking talent to their roster. They already had Dez Bryant as their star wide receiver, but adding another weapon to complement him seemed like a smart move. The Cowboys also had a rookie Dak Prescott at quarterback, and pairing him with a speedster like Tyreek Hill could have been a way to give him an explosive weapon on the outside.
However, despite the need for more playmaking on the roster, the Cowboys chose to focus on defense early in the draft. They selected Jaylon Smith in the second round, a linebacker from Notre Dame, who was seen as a potential game-changer on defense, even though he was coming off a major knee injury. In the later rounds, the Cowboys didn’t take a wide receiver until they selected Ryan Switzer in the fourth round, far before Hill was available.
At the time, it seemed as though the Cowboys were not willing to take a risk on Hill given his history of off-field issues. The Cowboys are a high-profile franchise, and they tend to be more conservative when it comes to players with potential baggage. Ultimately, the Cowboys chose to address other positions of need, leaving Hill to fall into the lap of the Chiefs in the fifth round.
Baltimore Ravens: A Solid, But Safe Approach
The Baltimore Ravens were also considered a possible landing spot for Tyreek Hill. Under head coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens have consistently been a competitive team with a strong defensive identity. In 2016, they were coming off a season where they finished 8-8 and were in need of adding offensive weapons to support their quarterback, Joe Flacco. The Ravens had a solid receiving core, but they lacked a true dynamic playmaker who could stretch the field in the way that Hill could.
However, much like the Cowboys, the Ravens were not willing to take a risk on Hill in the early rounds. Instead of selecting Hill, they addressed other needs, including offensive line depth, selecting Ronnie Stanley in the first round (6th overall) and Kamalei Correa in the second round. Though Hill could have been a perfect fit in Baltimore’s offense, his off-field history likely caused the Ravens to pass on him.
Additionally, Harbaugh and the Ravens tend to place a premium on character and accountability. While Hill’s talents were obvious, his off-field issues made teams like the Ravens hesitant to use a high pick on him. In the end, they opted for players who they felt were more of a sure thing, leaving Hill to fall to the Chiefs.
Hill’s Success in Kansas City
As we know now, Tyreek Hill went on to have an outstanding career with the Kansas City Chiefs. His unique blend of speed, route running, and ability to stretch the field quickly made him an invaluable asset to the Chiefs’ offense, which was headed by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Hill became an integral part of one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, helping lead the Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory in 2020.
In his time with Kansas City, Hill became a six-time Pro Bowler and earned All-Pro honors multiple times. His ability to be a deep threat, combined with his skill set as a return specialist, made him one of the most dangerous and exciting players in the league. Hill’s success story is a testament to the Chiefs’ willingness to take a risk on a player with incredible talent but some question marks surrounding his character.
While the Cowboys and Ravens might have been intrigued by Hill’s potential, the Chiefs took a chance on him, and it paid off in a big way. Hill’s impact on Kansas City’s offense and their eventual Super Bowl win made him one of the most notable draft steals of the 2016 class.
Leave a Reply