2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Anthony Hill Jr. (LB – Texas)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Anthony Hill Jr.

Anthony Hill Jr. (LB – Texas)

6-foot-3 | 238 Pounds

Background

Anthony Hill Jr. was a five-star recruit who started six out of 14 games as a true freshman, taking over the starting role in the second half of the season and finishing with a 67-8.0-5.0 line. In a full-time starting role, he posted a monster 113-16.5-8.0 line in 2024, with four forced fumbles and an interception. This past season, Hill had a line of 69-7.0-4.0 with three forced fumbles and two interceptions.

Positives

Productive two-plus-year starter for one of college football’s premier programs. Tall, long-limbed Mike linebacker, who looks the part of a modern linebacker. His status as a former five-star recruit is apparent from his excellent athletic gifts as well. Fast, highly energetic linebacker whose inclination is to play downhill. Has a quick trigger from a diagnostic standpoint, which allows Hill to make some splash plays in the backfield.

Speed, explosiveness and motor give him a lot of range; consistently dogged in pursuit of the football through the snap. Closes very fast when he finds a path to the ball. Prefers to slip by opponents, but there’s also more power in his hands than his frame would suggest, allowing him to take on blockers if needed. Length allows him to keep opponents out of his frame and gives him an impressive radius.

Hill is a pretty reliable tackler who forced eight career fumbles. Coverage responsibilities were varied and extensive; even saw a snap at cornerback. Smooth and fast, with loose hips and good balance in his drops. Gets good depth to keep things in front of him. Uses his hands to feel routes developing when pattern-matching or in man coverage. Diagnoses screens quickly and does a nice job of defending them when shaded over the slot. Hair-on-fire blitzer who’s had a lot of success in that capacity for an off-ball linebacker.

Negatives

Hill wasn’t quite able to replicate his huge sophomore season. Can be overly quick to commit, leading to false steps and wasted motion; would like to see Hill play with a bit more patience, as I wouldn’t be inclined to describe him as a very efficient mover. Can get sucked up toward the line of scrimmage by play-action. Occasionally overruns his spots when flowing to the football, taking him out of position. Could be more consistent about gearing down/breaking down in space.

Summary

A physically and athletically gifted middle linebacker with a highly aggressive, energetic style of play, Hill flies around the field on a snap-to-snap basis — for better or worse. While some patience would go a long way toward ironing out some of the false steps he puts on tape, Hill still manages to end up around the ball pretty consistently.

The Texas prospect has the versatility to do basically everything you’d want. His game resembles that of 2013 first-round pick Alec Ogletree. Could receive some first-round consideration.

Projection: Round 1/Round 2