From now until the 2026 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way to Day 3 selections, and priority undrafted free agents. Today, a scouting report on Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr.
No. 0 Anthony Hill Jr./LB Texas 6030/238 (Third-year Junior)
Measurements
Player Ht/Wt Hand Size Arm Length Wingspan
Anthony Hill Jr. 6030/238 N/A N/A N/A
40-Yard Dash 10-Yard Dash Short Shuttle 3-Cone
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Broad Jump Vertical Bench Press
N/A N/A N/A
The Good
– Good size that creates visibility of movement in the backfield
– Explosive linear movement
– Shows “click and close” ability where he can transition from a backpedal to a forward sprint with good burst
– Disruptive length that benefits him by extending his tackle radius
– Creates difficulty for quarterbacks to throw around or over
– Constantly finds himself around the ball
– Demonstrates strategic patience when rushing the passer or spying
– Decisive when shooting gaps against the run
– Doesn’t bite on play fakes or take false steps
– Blitzes with calculated urgency that penetrates before the opponent can recover
– Advanced pass rush skillset for off-ball linebacker
– Great speed that creates an opportunity to recover when behind
The Bad
– Sifting technique leads to him being out of his gap responsibility to chase individual stats
– Struggles to disengage from lengthier blockers
– Doesn’t find success taking on pulling lineman
– Flat-footed in coverage with eyes stuck in the backfield
– Stiff hips in man coverage that struggle to mirror his matchup
– Grabby in man coverage when he is in recovery mode
– Catches his tackles rather than driving through contact
– Tackles with high pad level
Stats
– 2025 Stats: 69 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 4.5% missed tackle rate
– Career Stats: 249 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 3 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles, 9% missed tackle rate
Injury History
– Dealt with an undisclosed injury during his senior year of high school, limiting him to 6 games (2022)
– Suffered a broken hand against Georgia, which caused him to miss 2 games (2025)
Background
– Born on February 14, 2005 (21 years old)
– Dual-sport athlete also competing in track
– Ran 11.45 seconds in the 100-meter dash and 23.18 seconds in 200 meter dash
– Named District MVP his junior season, accumulating 131 tackles and 8 sacks
– Played running back as well as linebacker
– Named Defensive Player of the Year while leading a defense that allowed 13.7 points per game
– Second team All-American (2025 & 2024); Second team All-SEC (2025)
– Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year (2023)
– Big 12 Commissioner Honor Roll (2023)
– Includes Yoga in his workout regimen
– Did a collab with thic.desserts to sponsor high-protein desserts
– Trains with Tim Riley, who is the founder of Apex Athlete
– Helped Austin Humane Society promote their spring car raffle
Tape Breakdown
Anthony Hill Jr. has been among the more productive linebackers since he set foot in Austin. Much of his production stems from his status as a great athlete. His burst is top-notch, and the acceleration to top speed is impressive. He’s at his best when he can get downhill with his quick trigger and decisiveness. The vision and recognition of what occurs behind the line of scrimmage create consistent opportunities to make plays.
He shows a good understanding of breaking down and shuffling when he enters the backfield, ensuring he doesn’t overpursue. He also demonstrates good lateral agility, closing in on the ball carrier quickly. His tackling is also efficient. Despite many opportunities, he didn’t miss much in college. However, his tackles lack punch. He often finds himself catching the ball carrier with his length rather than driving through them. Although he rarely whiffs, his size and speed should translate into more power on impact.
Failing to drive through contact can cause the ball carrier to fall for extra yards, which can be crucial on short-yardage plays. Hill has the size and speed. He can be coached out of this habit. However, this fixable flaw is balanced out by his excellence in other areas. The patience he displays in his blitzes is pristine. He doesn’t shoot a gap blindly. It’s calculated and effective. He’ll let the quarterback and lineman become loose before he makes his move, and he can get to the passer in a hurry.
In coverage, Hill is better in zone than man. As a zone defender, he has the range to cover a wide area of space. He also reads the quarterback’s eyes well. His discipline remains intact as the passer progresses through his reads and is rarely baited. Being 6’3 with his athletic ability also makes it difficult for quarterbacks to try to throw around or over him. However, his struggles lie more in man coverage. There’s plenty of potential, but he will be overly grabby when it isn’t needed. Even when running backs come out of the backfield, he will latch on, which can lead to penalties if they break their route.
Conclusion
One of my first-draft crushes this season, I fully expect Hill to grow into a Pro Bowl-caliber player. On film, his athleticism flashes. He will test well at the Combine, but more importantly, he plays fast on tape. Backing his athletic prowess is his production, which has come in bunches since his freshman season. Given his talents, I don’t believe he needs a specific scheme to thrive.
His size and speed will let him play in a hybrid 3-4 or 4-2-5. Ideally, he lands in a situation that will take advantage of his blitz potential as well. There are some weaknesses he needs to address to improve his game. However, he just turned 21. He has plenty of time to grow and develop. Primarily, his tackling will need refinement, learning to drive through contact rather than latch onto it.
If there were a comparison for his game, Dre Greenlaw would be it. The instincts and the eye-popping burst to close on a ball carrier are uncanny. Both backers use only one gear: full speed. Given his positional value, he may go lower than his talent warrants, but he will be a nightmare for opposing offenses.
NFL Draft Projection: Early Day 2
Steelers Depot Draft Grade: 8.8 (Long-term Starter)
Grade Range: 8.2 – 9.1
Games Watched: vs. Ohio State (2025), @ Kentucky (2025), @ Mississippi State (2025), @ Georgia (2025)
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