Rams Cornerback is ‘Motivated’ and ‘Disrepected’

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Ian Miller | Last updated 7/10/22

The Troy Hill trade during the 2021 NFL Draft left many baffled by the Cleveland Browns’ decision to trade the cornerback for a fifth-rounder in the 2023 draft. However, this decision motivated Hill.

“To be honest, the whole fact of me getting traded – I was already motivated from last season, but just me getting traded, especially for a fifth-round pick, I feel some type of way, I feel disrespected,” Hill said via his introductory video conference.

The disrespect Hill felt seems as if it will be a motivational factor for the soon-to-be 30-year-old corner.

“I’m definitely motivated being able to come out and show what I can do and prove people wrong. I’m definitely coming out and playing with a chip on my shoulder, for sure,” he said.

The Los Angeles Rams reacquired Troy Hill on Saturday. They sent a fifth-round pick in 2023 to the Cleveland Browns in a trade for the versatile defensive back. Hill spent five seasons with the Rams and became a key component… https://t.co/XIhNvoP5xj

— Quad-City Times (@qctimes) April 30, 2022

Hill comes into the season in the final year of his two-year, $9 million contract signed in the 2021 offseason. Hill signed with the Browns after his first year starting for the Los Angeles Rams.

He started four games for Cleveland in 2021 and appeared in 12 of a possible 17 with a neck sprain. As a result, Hill finished the season with 49 tackles, two sacks and a pass defended.

The cornerback will return to Los Angeles, where he broke out in 2020. In that season, Hill had 77 tackles, 10 passes defended, three interceptions and three defensive touchdowns. With Hill motivated by the trade, Rams fans are hopeful that he can return to his 2020 form, if not better, as a projected starter.

So the Rams came away from this draft with:

– Day 1 starter at RG
– Day 1 starter at CB in Troy Hill
– Potential nickel CB in Decobie Durant
– 3rd down back in Kyren Williams
– Depth at CB/S/OT/EDGE

Can't ask for much more, really. Let's see how these cats develop. pic.twitter.com/0HUFdmmOtp

— Sosa Kremenjas (@QBsMVP) April 30, 2022

Hill, anticipated to start opposite Jalen Ramsey, will need to fend off Robert Rochell to reclaim his spot on the defense. Since the Rams traded so little for Hill there is not much of a commitment for him to start. Rochell played admirably as a backup last year with 14 tackles and a pair of turnovers as a rookie.

That is now Rams corners and receivers disrespected this offseason.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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