The Tennessee Titans may not have made the loudest splash early in the 2026 NFL Draft, but their Day 2 move could end up being one of the most impactful. By selecting Anthony Hill Jr. at No. 28 in Round 2 (No. 60 overall), Tennessee added a high-upside linebacker with elite traits and proven production. It is the kind of pick that might not dominate headlines right away, but could anchor a defense for years if it hits.
Hill arrives with one of the most decorated résumés in the class. The former Texas standout was a Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2023, then quickly evolved into a first-team All-American and first-team All-SEC defender.
His 2024 campaign alone featured 113 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles. Even with a slight dip in counting stats in 2025, he remained highly productive and disruptive.
Titans Land a Defensive Chess Piece With Rare Tools in Anthony Hill Jr.
Hill’s appeal starts with his physical profile and flashes on tape. At around 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, he blends size, explosiveness, and range in a way that immediately stands out. According to PFSN’s scouting report, he thrives as a run-and-chase linebacker who can erase angles and track down ball carriers across the field.
That same athleticism translates into his pass-rushing ability. Hill is an effective blitzer who can bend, accelerate, and close quickly, making him a real weapon on passing downs. In coverage, he shows flashes of fluidity and spatial awareness, giving him the versatility modern defenses crave.
The analytics back up the tape. Hill earned a B grade with an 85.1 score in PFSN’s CFB LB Impact Metrics for the 2025 season, ranking No. 8 among all linebackers. That combination of production and traits explains why Tennessee saw him as a value play in Round 2.
There are still areas to clean up. Hill can overrun plays, and his instincts can be inconsistent, especially when diagnosing quickly developing action.
He also needs to improve his technique at contact to become a more reliable finisher. Still, those are coachable issues for a player with this kind of ceiling.
Hill’s Size and Speed Add Juice to Titans’ Defense
That upside is exactly why Ian Cummings was so enthusiastic about the selection during PFSN’s live draft coverage on “Football Debate Club.”
“He’s so physical, he’s so urgent coming downhill, he’s explosive,” Cummings said on the show. “That definitely junkyard dog. It’s perfect match made in heaven.”
That quote captures the core of Hill’s game. He brings an edge and energy that can change the tone of a defense, especially one looking to get faster and more aggressive at the second level.
Cummings also pointed out that Hill’s game is more complete than some realize, particularly in coverage.
“I also think in coverage, he’s a little understated,” Cummings added. “He’s, I think he’s really fluid and too high, and I think he understands spacing as well. So he’s a really solid player.”
The long-term outlook is where things get even more intriguing. While Hill is not a finished product, his blend of size, explosiveness, and production gives him a high developmental ceiling.
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“I think he’s gonna be a good, a good starter for a long time,” Cummings said. “The six, four frame, the explosiveness, the physicality that that gives you a moldable ballplay to build up from.”
For the Titans, this is exactly the type of swing that can reshape a defense. Hill may need refinement, but the tools are undeniable.
