What were Hilliard's baseline physical metrics?
5' 11"
203 lbs
4.47 40-Yard Dash
20 reps of 225 lbs on the bench
3.98 short shuttle
6.75 3-Cone Drill
10' 2" Broad Jump
35" Vertical Jump
To put these numbers into a little more perspective, LSU's Eric Reid, widely considered to be the top safety in this year's draft, tested out at:
213 lbs
4.53 40-Yard Dash
17 reps of 225 lbs on the bench
4.22 short shuttle
6.99 3-Cone Drill
11' 2" Broad Jump
40.5" Vertical Jump
Production on the field notwithstanding, Hilliard and Reid had remarkably similar test results. Sure Reid jumped higher and farther, but Hilliard was stronger and faster. Which of these metrics is the most valuable? Well that's for each individual scout and team to decide. Still, after his pro day you could legitimately argue that physically, Dalton and Reid aren't too far apart.
In an interview with NFL Draft Zone, Hilliard stated that his combine training was being conducted in Duluth, Georgia, at Competitive Edge Sports with Chip Smith.
When asked about his strengths, he responded with "versatility". After being pressed to expand, he elaborated that this is based on his ability to not only play man coverage but offense as well (not unlike Patrick Peterson maybe?) He also stated that his biggest role model growing up was his father, who was also big-time college player and that his greatest accomplishment (athletic or otherwise) was getting his degree at UCLA and beating USC (I'll try to not hold that against him...too much.)
For more on Hilliard, follow him on twitter! "@dhills19". Good luck with your training Dalton! We'll all be rooting for you come draft day!