Jordan

Hill

The Seahawks plan to use Hill as a three-technique tackle, though he could also see time at the nose. Hill boasts only average athleticism to go along with his 6-foot-1, 303-pound frame, but has a relentless motor and was highly productive in the Big 10. Snaps will be hard to come by along the Seahawks’ loaded defensive line, but Hill could make an impact down the line.

Hill is working at both defensive tackle positions while Williams is playing tackle and end. Carroll said Williams will start playing nose tackle as well when they begin training camp next month. Both have gotten work with the first-team, though Williams has the better chance to contribute right away in the vacancy left by Alan Branch’s departure.

At 6-foot-1, 303, it’s Hill’s natural position. “We’re going to play him at the 3-technique, and he can play at nose as well,” explained coach Pete Carroll. “We like to move him ... not just stick him on the center like we do with (Brandon) Mebane. We’re hoping to use his special quicks.” Hill will be part of a deep rotation with Mebane, Michael Bennett, Clint McDonald, and Tony McDaniel.

Hill (6-foot-1 1/4, 303) was a consensus first-team All-Big Ten pick as a senior, registering 64 tackles -- 8.5 for a loss -- and 4.5 sacks despite playing through a knee injury. He had the knee scoped after the season. Hill recovered by the Combine and ran 5.23 with a 1.75 ten-yard split. Not blessed with star athleticism or size, Hill atones with a relentless style and all-around game. After the Seahawks lost Jason Jones to free agency, Hill will compete to contribute as a pass-rushing threat from the inside behind Michael Bennett.

It’s his first time practicing since August 21. The No. 87 overall pick in this year’s draft, Hill will compete for snaps behind starters Brandon Mebane and Tony McDaniel.

He is not expected to need surgery. It’s a chance for the Seahawks’ loaded defensive line to flash its depth. Clinton McDonald and Jesse Williams are next up at defensive tackle behind starters Brandon Mebane and Michael Bennett.

He suffered a hamstring injury on Thursday and had been hurt most of the summer. Hill, a 2013 third-rounder, held up well against the run across 300-plus snaps last season. He’ll likely get an injury settlement soon.

A third-round pick by the Seahawks in 2013, Seattle cut Hill last September and he then latched on with the Jaguars late in the season to play 42 snaps. Hill will be brought in as a camp body trying to earn a backup job.

It’s another blow to a Lions defense that will already be without Armonty Bryant (suspension), Kerry Hyder (I.R.) and Khyri Thornton (suspension) for an extended period. Hill has proven fragile, battling a near-endless string of injuries in recent years.

He’s expected to miss a “few weeks.” Hill is a key rotational lineman, who’s received really strong pass-rush marks the first five weeks of the season.