2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Texas’s Linebacker Anthony Hill, Jr.

When scouts discuss the Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., the term “production” echoes through the halls and walls of war rooms everywhere. Hill is the new generation linebacker, built to be a hybrid player, with the ability to rush the quarterback, stay home and run defend, or drop into coverage, taking on tight ends, running backs, and even some receivers. 

He’s a supreme athlete, bringing positional flexibility and the ability to be used on all three downs to his team’s defense. 

2024 was a hallmark year for Hill. He tallied 113 tackles (16.5 of which were for losses), 4 forced fumbles, 8 sacks, and 1 pick. In 2025, his last season in Austin, the campaign is shaping up to be similar. He’s made the watch lists for all of the major postseason awards and pulled in preseason first-team All-SEC honors.

Strengths

Hill plays both a physical and cerebral game. He calls the defense for the Longhorns and quickly recognizes offensive tactics, having a knack for tracking the ball before plays even develop. And when he arrives, he plays downhill with suddenness and physicality. Hill’s relentless and he defines effort—both on and off the field—which will likely lead him to become a captain for his team’s defense when he reaches the pros. 

However, in today’s game, Hill brings a level of versatility sought by many NFL defenses. He can pursue sideline to sideline like a traditional inside linebacker, but excels in rushing the quarterback in certain schemes and blitz packages. He can drop into coverage and has the speed to play in man or zone schemes. And Hill is a turnover-making machine. 

Weaknesses

Hill does have some areas in which he will need to improve as he enters the NFL. He often arm tackles, not wrapping up ball carriers, which may work in college, but won’t in the pros. And as a smaller linebacker, he will need to do a better job in shedding blockers and escaping bigger linemen who can get to him with their reach. 

Hill will need to add some muscle and mass before the draft to improve his stock. While not small, that extra strength will help him against stronger and longer linemen. And although he covers well, he will need to prove to scouts that he can stay with the quicker slot receivers in the league. 

Conclusion 

Hill possesses the talent to be a first-round pick and will likely top the war room draft boards for many teams in search of a versatile inside backer who can move. Draft Nation expects to see Hill come off the board late in round one.