Taysom Hill Makes Surprise Appearance on PFF Rankings

See how Taysom Hill cracked the PFF rankings for 2023 and what other Saints player was curiously excluded.

Taysom Hill of the New Orleans Saints has been a polarizing figure since entering the National Football League. A quarterback at BYU, Hill was an undrafted signing by the Green Bay Packers in 2017. He was released by the Packers at the end of training camp, but immediately signed by New Orleans. 

Saints coach Sean Payton quickly noticed a special set of skills in Hill. By the end of his first year with New Orleans in 2017, he was contributing regularly on special teams. In 2018, Hill grabbed the attention of all Saints fans by contributing in offensive packages. 

Since 2018, Hill has been a running back, receiver, kick returner, tight end, punt protector, punt blocker, and even started nine games at quarterback. While the ''quarterback experiment'' for him seems to be over, he's still an important part of the offense in various roles.

At the start of last season, newly appointed head coach Dennis Allen officially switched Hill’s position to tight end. He'd still contribute mostly out of the backfield as a runner in a ''wildcat'' formation. 

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (7) against the Arizona Cardinals. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY

In a Pro Football Focus article late last month, writer John Kosko ranked PFFs top 15 tight ends heading into 2023. Surprisingly, Taysom Hill cracked the list at Number 9.

To no one's surprise, Travis Kelce (Chiefs), Mark Andrews (Ravens), and George Kittle (49ers) took the top three spots as the PFF elite tight ends. Tier 2, with the ''great potential to become elite'' included Dallas Goedert (Eagles), T.J. Hockenson (Vikings), Pat Freiermuth (Steelers), and Kyle Pitts (Falcons).

Tier 3 on the PFF rankings was described as ''good but needs pieces around to be great''. Hill came in just behind Dalton Schultz (Texans), but ahead of David Njoku (Browns), Darren Waller (Giants), Dawson Knox (Bills), Chigoziem Okonkwo (Titans), Evan Engram (Giants), and Gerald Everett (Rams).

Here's what Kosko had to write about Hill’s place in the rankings:

You had to know he was coming on this list at some point. Hill is not a traditional tight end nor is he a modern-day one, as he occupies a unique role that only he can do and has provided tremendous value to the Saints, ranking ninth in PFF WAR (wins above replacement) the past two seasons. While Juwan Johnson had a breakout season in 2022 and they just signed Foster Moreau, Hill is the slotted “starter,” and his versatility gives the Saints a lot of options.

The 32-year-old Hill had a career-high 575 rushing yards in 2022, second on the team. He scored 7 touchdowns on the ground and added two more receiving scores on nine receptions for 77 yards. Hill also completed 13 of 19 passes for 240 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Hill’s best game of the year came in a Week 5 win over Seattle. In that game, Hill rushed for a career-high 112 yards and three touchdowns while completing a 22-yard pass for another touchdown. The Saints were 7-1 in games where Hill rushed for at least 30 yards last season. 

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (7) runs with the ball against the Los Angeles Rams. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

As a runner, Hill has awesome power and is a reliable short yardage option with breakaway sprinters speed. He hasn't been used a lot as a receiver (43 catches, 465 yards, 9 scores), but has good hands and lethal open field skills. Even with the presence of Alvin Kamara and offseason additions of Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller, Hill is still going to see a lot of touches out of the backfield. 

While Hill’s inclusion on the PFF TE rankings was a bit surprising, the omission of Juwan Johnson from the list is a major oversight.

Johnson, a converted wideout, had a breakout year with 42 receptions for 508 yards and a team-high 7 touchdowns. He was second on the team in receiving yardage, third in receptions, and his seven receiving scores trailed only Kelce and Kittle among NFL tight ends. Newly signed Foster Moreau was also arguably a head-scratching exclusion from the PFF rankings. 

Taysom Hill is not a traditional tight end by any stretch. However, he is a vital part of the New Orleans offense and a mismatch for opposing defenses. The addition of Moreau and development of Johnson will allow the Saints to use Hill in even more creative ways this season.