Are we too high on Anthony Hill Jr.?

Anthony Hill Jr.

Position: Linebacker
Class: 2026 NFL Draft
School: Texas
Height: 6'3" | Weight: 235 lbs

Arm Length: 32.5 In.

Mark Kinley

Overview

Anthony Hill Jr. enters the 2025 college football season as one of the most hyped linebackers in the 2026 draft class. A former blue-chip recruit and immediate impact player for Texas, Hill flashed elite athletic traits and explosive range as a sophomore. With 113 tackles, 8 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 44 defensive stops, the production speaks for itself. Hill is a sideline-to-sideline blur with closing speed rare even among defensive backs — let alone linebackers.

However, as high as his ceiling may be, Hill remains a traits-based projection who must take a significant technical leap to be considered a top-tier draft prospect. His biggest issue — and the one that consistently limits his effectiveness — is his inability to shed blocks at the point of attack.

Strengths

• Lateral Speed & Range: Shows elite sideline-to-sideline mobility; routinely makes plays outside the hashes. Possesses rare pursuit range for the position.

• Closing Burst: Flashes high-level burst when attacking downhill. Makes up ground quickly in space and finishes behind the line when left unblocked or free to roam.

• Snap Reaction: Quick processor off the snap; triggers fast and reacts well to quarterback movements, especially on spies and delayed blitzes.

• Motor & Effort: High-effort player. Never gives up on a play and consistently hustles across the field to make second-chance tackles.

• QB Spy / Modern Fit: Ideal traits for a spy or hybrid WILL linebacker in a 4-2-5. Can mirror mobile QBs and erase scramble lanes with elite burst.
  

Weaknesses

Major Concern – Block Shedding & Point-of-Attack Play

Hill’s biggest deficiency is his inability to disengage from blockers, which is a recurring and exploitable weakness on tape:

• Struggles to Shed Blocks: Far too often, Hill gets locked onto by linemen and simply can’t get free. Once an OL gets their hands on him, the play is effectively over. He lacks both the hand strength and the technique to disengage.

• Poor Use of Hands: Shows minimal hand-fighting ability. Rarely uses chop, rip, or swipe moves to clear contact. Hands are passive, not violent or assertive.

• Catches Contact: Instead of initiating and dictating with leverage, Hill often waits for the block to arrive, absorbing contact and losing momentum.

• Avoids, Rather Than Attacks: Frequently tries to sidestep blocks rather than taking them on directly, which creates cutback lanes and soft edges. While this can lead to splash plays, it also opens the door for big offensive gains.

• Redirected Too Easily: Lacks lower-body anchor and core strength to hold up against offensive linemen. Gets turned or completely washed out of the play.

• Needs to Develop Functional Strength: Until he adds more power to his frame and a better technical approach to contact, he’ll remain a liability on inside runs.

  
  

Other Areas of Concern

• Tackling Consistency: Too many arm tackles and lunges. Doesn’t always finish with power or technique.

• Zone Coverage IQ: Struggles with spatial awareness and pattern recognition in zone schemes. Frequently leaves windows open behind him.

• Change-of-Direction Fluidity: Lateral transitions can be choppy. Takes too many steps to redirect when tracking agile runners.

• Limited Pass Rush Arsenal: Relies heavily on raw speed. Needs to develop counters and better hand placement as a blitzer.

• Undisciplined Eyes: Can get baited by motion and misdirection, pulling himself out of position and exposing the defense behind him.

Projection & Developmental Outlook

Hill has first-round traits but currently grades as a raw developmental prospect. If he can drastically improve his block-shedding ability, strengthen his upper body, and refine his processing in coverage, he could blossom into a dynamic WILL linebacker or overhang defender at the next level. As it stands, his struggles at the point of attack significantly limit his every-down value and leave real questions about how he fits in a base defense.

Grade (Pre-2025 Season):

Early Day 2 Projection (Round 2-3)

Upside of a top-20 pick if major technical improvements are made — particularly with block shedding and tackling consistency. Not currently a top 50 prospect to me, traits don’t overshadow the tape.