The Tennessee Titans addressed the linebacker position in the 2nd round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Texas Longhorns standout Anthony Hill Jr. 60th overall. Hill enjoyed a strong three-year tenure with the Longhorns, totaling 249 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, three interceptions, four pass breakups, and eight pass deflections across 40 games and 32 starts. His accolades include being named co-Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2023, Second-Team All-American and All-SEC in 2024, and Second-Team All-American and All-SEC in 2025.
Hill had a down junior season, posting fewer tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks, but set career highs in interceptions. He totaled 69 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, two interceptions, one pass breakup, and three forced fumbles in ten games, along with three missed tackles, 16 pressures, and an 8.6% stop rate. He missed the final two regular-season games due to a broken hand.
In his rookie season, Hill will compete for a starting spot, either against Cody Barton for the middle linebacker spot or against Cedric Gray for the weakside spot.
Tennessee Titans tap potential Week 1 starter with rookie deal
Texas Longhorns, Anthony Hill Jr.
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 Titans announced they have signed Anthony Hill Jr. to a four-year rookie contract. Spotrac projects the deal to be worth $8.114 million with a $2.361 million signing bonus. In addition, they project Hill’s cap hits to be $1.475 million in 2026, $1.844 million in 2027, $2.212 million in 2028, and $2.581 million in 2029.
Lance Zierlein
Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL Network Draft media analyst Lance Zierlein during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“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.”
He projects as a plus starter.