BYU football: How Taysom Hill fits with the Green Bay Packers
By Brady Parkin
Former BYU football signal caller Taysom Hill is making his way to Wisconsin, joining Cougar teammate Jamaal Williams. But is Hill’s future in Lambeau?
Green Bay seems to be the destination for BYU football players in the 2017 draft class. Following the draft, which concluded on April 29, Taysom Hill quickly signed a free agent deal to join the Packers.
The only question now is if the talented dual-threat quarterback will even see the field. With Aaron Rodgers at the helm, Hill won’t likely steal any snaps. But that doesn’t mean the Packers aren’t high on the former BYU football superstar.
Just days before the draft, the Packers brought Hill in for a pre-draft workout. They were impressed.
Taysom Hill’s fit in Green Bay
Taysom Hill’s athleticism is certainly enough to get him recognized by pro scouts, but what is it about him that the Packers saw?
Of course the Packers saw what every BYU football fan had seen over the last few years. Physical strength and speed at the top the list of Hill’s positive attributes. He clocked a 4.44 on his 40-yard dash at his Pro Day. Along with the measurables, Hill is a dual threat quarterback that can run or throw… or throw on the run. This is a very trendy quality in QBs as of late. Cam Newton and Russell Wilson, and even Colin Kaepernick a few seasons ago, prove that QBs with pocket presence and mobility prove the value of a dual threat QB.
The signing of Hill brings Green Bay’s total QB count to four. Most teams run with three, meaning one will likely be cut.
Brett Hundley was Rodgers’ back-up this past season. Originally taken in the fifth round of the NFL draft, Hundley has only played in four professional games. His stats in those games are abysmal. A completion percentage of 20 percent and a QBR of 5.8 do not give a good look. His spot may be in jeopardy.
This also may have played into why the Packers signed another free agent rookie in 2016. Ever heard of Joe Callahan? Yeah, me neither. Callahan signed with the Packers after the draft, got cut, worked his way through two other teams, got cut by them, and was then resigned by the Packers in Dec. 2016. He didn’t see any professional playing time.
33-year-old Rodgers leads the team and it’s likely Callahan will get cut again. Thus a back-up battle will ensue between Hundley and BYU football’s own Taysom Hill.
Hill’s odds look good.
Other BYU football players in Green Bay
Previous to this draft, two other Cougars have recently signed with the Packers as free agents. Robertson Daniel signed in 2015. Manoa Pikula signed in 2016. Neither are on the Packers’ depth chart anymore. Roberston is on the Baltimore Ravens. Pikula is still with Green Bay, but on the practice squad.
Taysom Hill joins Green Bay along with BYU football’s all-time leading rusher Williams. WIlliams heard his named called in the 134th slot. He was the Packers fifth overall pick, but first offensive selection.
It is unlikely that we will see this dynamic duo together on the field anytime soon but in time, there may be a possibility of see these to play together again.
Next: How Jamaal Williams Fits In Green Bay
Green Bay offensive coordinator Edgar Bennett has one major focus. Ball security. Williams’ strength is ball security giving him the best chance to start sooner. His chances will also be helped by the departure of Christine Michael, who was cut on Monday.
For Hill, this is a place for practice. Hill lost four fumbles and threw 11 interceptions his senior year. This won’t count Hill out as it is a fixable attribute.
You can expect to see and hear about Hill as camps begin and preseason begins. He won’t start. But he may become a strong second string (or wildcat?) option for a strong Packers team.