Round 5: UCF DT Trysten Hill
6-2, 308 – Junior

Previous Pick: Memphis RB Tony Pollard
The Buccaneers take advantage of a deep class of defensive linemen and find Hill, a junior entry, available at the top of the fifth round. In years when the depth at defensive tackle isn’t as great as it is in 2019, Hill might be taken as high as the third round due to his size and athleticism.

Blessed with more ability than production at this point in his career, the 6-foot-2, 308-pound Hill is a one-gap penetrator that – like Vita Vea – can play either nose tackle or the three-technique spot.

He has the frame to be able to bulk up to 320 if necessary, and would fit perfect in Todd Bowles’ new 3-4 defense. It’s a scheme that puts an emphasis on defensive linemen penetrating their gaps and causing disruption in the running game and passing game.

As a two-year starter for the Knights, Hill recorded 71 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, six sacks and one forced fumble in his three years at UCF. Hill, who has lost just one game over the last two seasons, had a great junior season in 2018 with 36 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.

Hill’s UCF Career Defensive Stats
2016: 15 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 FF
2017: 20 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks
2018: 36 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks

Hill has very good initial quickness and get off, and is a player whose best football lies ahead of him. He has large, strong, 10-inch hands that can jolt offensive linemen with his powerful punch and snatch running backs and quarterbacks behind the line of scrimmage. Hill does a decent job of anchoring at the point of attack and fighting off double teams.

Hill ran a decent 5.04 at the NFL Scouting Combine, but opened some eyes with 28 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, in addition to a 35-inch vertical and a 4.38 time in the 20-yard shuttle, which showed off his lateral quickness and agility.

The Buccaneers need a young three-technique defensive tackle to groom behind 31-year old Gerald McCoy. With improved technique and experience, Hill is a player that can possibly develop into a starter once McCoy leaves, and that would make him a steal in the fifth round. The UCF standout always gives maximum effort and would be a welcome addition in Tampa Bay.

Watch Hill’s highlight video against Memphis below and see his effort and athleticism shine.

Click below to view Tampa Bay’s sixth-round pick in 2019.