Anthony Hill Jr. has been a known name for a long time. The former Denton Ryan standout did not come out of nowhere, and his selection by the Tennessee Titans with the No. 60 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft felt more like the next step than a surprise. Tennessee even traded up to get him, which tells you how strongly they believe he fits what they are building.
At Denton Ryan, Hill was one of the most complete defensive players in the state. As a junior, he posted 131 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and eight sacks, earning district MVP and All-Area Defensive Player of the Year honors. Even in a shortened senior season, he still produced 67 tackles and five forced fumbles in just six games. He played fast, physical, and instinctive, and it showed every Friday night.
That level of production carried over immediately at Texas. As a freshman, Hill recorded 67 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and five sacks, earning Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and Freshman All-American honors. By his sophomore season, he took over games, finishing with 113 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and four forced fumbles while earning first-team All-American recognition.
His junior year brought more of the same consistency. Hill totaled 69 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles in just 10 games. Across three seasons, he finished with 249 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, and eight forced fumbles. He did not just produce, he affected games in multiple ways every week.
Now he walks into a Titans defense that is changing its identity under new head coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. The focus is clear, play fast, play physical, and rely on athletic defenders who can stay on the field in every situation. The scheme leans on a four-man pass rush, disciplined coverage, and linebackers who can cover ground without being a liability in space.
That is exactly where Hill fits.
At 6-foot-2, 238 pounds with a 4.51 forty, Hill has the range to run sideline to sideline and the strength to handle downhill run responsibilities. He projects naturally into a role where he can flow to the football, close quickly, and handle coverage assignments against backs and tight ends. His ability to diagnose plays and react fits a system that prioritizes speed and discipline over constant pressure.
There is also a real opportunity in front of him. Tennessee is not locked into a long-term answer at linebacker, and Hill’s versatility gives him a chance to earn snaps early. He should contribute right away on special teams while working into defensive packages that highlight his strengths. If his development continues, he has the tools to become a key piece of that defense sooner rather than later.
For Texas high school football, this is another example of a player who has been producing at a high level for years, continuing that path. For the Titans, it looks like a pick that matches both their current direction and what they want to become on defense.
