The New England Patriots currently sit at pick thirty-one in the 2026 NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean they will miss out on all the elite talent. There is one prospect that I have really enjoyed studying recently and that is Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. He is a player that I believe could have an immediate impact in New England, and not only be a serviceable starter, but turn into an absolute star. Hill Jr. is a player that could be wearing the green dot on his helmet and commanding the entire defense within a couple seasons. So let’s dive into all the details on drafting him when the Draft finally rolls around in April.
What makes Hill Jr. such a special prospect?
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Oct 18, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) celebrates after the Kentucky Wildcats fail to score in overtime at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Anthony Hill Jr. has all the tools to be one of the NFL’s top linebackers. However, he is currently being overlooked and underrated due to an absolutely loaded linebacker class in this year’s draft. But when you turn on his tape, it is evident that he is an elite talent that deserves some more buzz and respect. His explosiveness, speed, and nose for the football is a combination that consistently dominates every game he plays in. He can line up on the edge and rush the passer, or play the middle of the field to command the defense, which is an ability that is incredibly valuable at the NFL level. The Patriots coaching staff would be able to use him as a true gadget player on the defense, especially with their current starter Robert Spillane still on the roster. Spillane could mentor Hill Jr., who is still only twenty years old, and has much to learn. By using Spillane and Hill Jr., the Patriots could scheme up so many different ways to get the Texas star involved as a rookie. And when it comes to Hill Jr., all he needs is an opportunity, and he will be an absolute game wrecker.
How would the Texas star fit into the Patriots defense?
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Nov 23, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) celebrates after a stop against the Kentucky Wildcats on fourth down in the third quarter at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ricardo B. Brazziell/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
The Patriots are definitely in the market for another linebacker, and Hill Jr. could be the perfect prospect for them. As stated before, current Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane is the leader of the defense, so adding a younger star like Hill Jr. could have huge benefits. Allowing him to develop and grow without putting all the pressure of being the commander of the defense on him, would be the best case scenario. With Hill Jr. watching Spillane lead and make different calls and checks, it would give him the opportunity to contribute early in his career while potentially setting him up to be the next commander in Foxborough. Something else the Patriots struggled with in 2025 was rushing the passer. This is an aspect that Hill Jr. excels at. His combination of size and burst off the ball makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. By lining him up on the edge alongside current Patriots like Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, he could wreak havoc and turn into a defensive rookie of the year candidate.
Where could the Patriots draft Hill Jr.?
New England Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf speaks during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Hill Jr. is an elite prospect in this year’s draft and is projected in the late first round or early second. This is perfect for the Patriots coming off a Super Bowl loss since they sit at pick thirty-one. As we get closer to the draft, I believe teams will start to become higher and higher on Hill Jr., which could lead to a surge up draft boards. The best case scenario for New England would be if he actually falls in the draft, so the Patriots could maybe trade up from pick sixty-three to land him. Acquiring a potential game wrecker would be a massive draft steal for Mike Vrabel and company.