Peyton Hillis – Denver Broncos Player Bio

Name: Peyton Hillis Height, Weight: 6’1″, 250 Position: Fullback Age, Experience: 22, R College: Arkansas

Peyton Hillis was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 7th round (227th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft. A fullback out of Arkansas, Hillis plowed the way for two tailbacks who would be drafted in the first round this same year: Darren McFadden by the Raiders, and Felix Jones by the Cowboys. Ranked sometimes as the highest in his position coming out of the draft (sometimes #2 or 3), Hillis could potentially give the Broncos a third round talent at a seventh round price.

The Good: Hillis’ potential is high – not since Howard Griffith have the Broncos had such a pass catching threat out of the backfield. He holds school records for career receptions, reception yards, and reception touchdowns among running backs, as well as single season running back records in receptions and reception yards in 2007, leading his entire team in those categories. He’s a productive college player with a lot of upside.

The Bad: Hillis comes with injury concerns, and his blocking ability leaves something to be desired. He broke three vertebrae in his back in 2004, and sat out some of 2006 with a deep thigh bruise. While he has good hands, he doesn’t have the speed to break away at the second level, and he may not have the power to plow for short yardage at the NFL level.

Status: Competing for starting job. He’ll be facing Cecil Sapp, just re-signed, along with Mike Bell, for the starting job. While the Broncos (and all teams) hate to cut a draft pick in their rookie season, Hillis will still have to out-perform at least one of these vets to guarantee a roster spot. Peyton Hillis was born on Jan. 21, 1986, in Conway, AR.

As always, we invite you, the readers, to partake. Is Hillis the answer at fullback, or do his blocking skills leave you wanting more?

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