As March continues and all 32 NFL franchises look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears will have four picks in the top 100, including two in the second round, providing the front office with plenty of opportunities to add long-term building blocks on defense who fit Dennis Allen's scheme.
Despite adding linebackers Devin Bush and Jack Sanborn in free agency, the uncertainty surrounding T.J. Edwards injury means the front office could choose to spend one of the Bears top 100 draft selections on a linebacker to pair with Bush. One name that could be a potential fit is Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr.
Let's get into our scouting report on Hill.
Anthony Hill Jr., Texas, (6-foot-2, 238 pounds)
From his NFL.com draft profile via Lance Zierlein:
"Three-down linebacker with the playing demeanor and production of a future Pro Bowler. He posted 31.5 TFLs, 17 sacks and eight forced fumbles in his three seasons at Texas, making an impact in every phase. He's instinctive, athletic and under control, transitioning seamlessly from read to react to finish. He plays with downhill thump to thwart interior blocks and the speed to pursue runners from sideline to sideline. Hill has plus cover talent in man or zone, proven credentials as a blitzer or edge rusher, and finishes plays as a strong, reliable tackler. Consistency and field command make him one of the safer linebackers in the class. His size, speed and versatility allow him to profile as an instant-impact rookie at Mike or Will 'backer."
Film:
Strengths:
- Reads and anticipates plays before they actually happen.
- Smart when taking pursuit angles on film.
- Has the ability to drop back in coverage and not lose sight of wide receivers.
- Versatility means he can line up at Mike linebacker or as an edge rusher.
- College tape shows a player who has a true knack for the football, generating turnovers in the process.
- Arm length shows up on tape when he's making tackles.
- Speed flashes on film as a player who is able to consistently, run sideline-to-sideline.
Weaknesses:
- Falls victim to play action passes and bites hard on fakes, thinking it's going to be a run play.
- Has to play with more discipline as a run defender.
- Needs to be better about letting run plays develop before blowing them up.
- Will struggle to disengage blocks against bigger, stronger, and faster offensive linemen, getting caught and washed out of the play in the process.
Does Hill fit the Bears defense?
Hill's film and skillset is unique when assessing his fit in the Bears defense. His ability to play multiple linebacker spots means he can be used in a variety of ways in coverage and as a blitzer. Chicago will like his pursuit ability, arm length, and willingness to be a physical defender who finds ways to generate turnovers. As a run defender, his lack of discipline is something that Chicago's coaching staff can fix but it could at least a half a season before he begins hitting his stride and playing with a little bit more patience.
Conclusion:
Overall, Hill is a solid, well-rounded prospect who will find ways to make plays every game, remaining productive throughout his career.
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