The Tennessee Titans continued their defensive overhaul on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. from the University of Texas with the 60th overall pick in the second round. Announced by general manager Mike Borgonzi on April 25, this move aims to bolster a rushing defense that struggled significantly in the 2025 NFL season.
The Prospect: Anthony Hill Jr.
Anthony Hill Jr., standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 235 pounds, exemplifies the modern NFL linebacker with his blend of speed, power, and versatility. Over his three years at Texas, he developed into one of the Longhorns' most productive defenders, particularly excelling in his final collegiate season.
In 2025, Hill recorded an impressive stat line featuring 18.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions. Performing against premier Southeastern Conference competition -- including games against Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, and LSU -- he proved his ability to dominate at a high level.
Hill is known for his explosive first step and sideline-to-sideline range. He quickly diagnoses run plays, attacks gaps decisively, and rarely gets caught out of position. His speed enables him to chase down plays stretching toward the sideline and cover backs and tight ends in man-to-man situations. Texas also deployed him as a spy on mobile quarterbacks, a role he fulfilled effectively, highlighting his cognitive and physical capability to handle diverse assignments.
Fit with the Tennessee Titans
Before the draft, the Titans' linebacking corps featured Kenneth Murray Jr., a former first-round pick known for his flashes of talent but occasional inconsistency, and Jack Gibbens, a dependable but less athletic option. The selection of Hill elevates the position with a player capable of contributing immediately on special teams and with a high ceiling as a versatile, three-down linebacker.
The Tennessee coaching staff, led on defense by coordinator Gus Bradley, emphasizes speed, versatility, and scheme adaptability. Hill's ability both to rush the passer and cover agile offensive players fits perfectly within this scheme, allowing Bradley to deploy a variety of coverage looks and pressures on opposing offenses.
As NFL defenses increasingly rely on nickel and dime sub-packages, linebackers like Hill, who can remain on the field throughout all three downs, are invaluable. The Titans anticipate that Hill will compete for meaningful playing time early and evolve into a cornerstone of their linebacker group by the 2027 season.
The Borgonzi Defensive Vision
Since taking over as general manager, Mike Borgonzi has prioritized resolving Tennessee's defensive weaknesses that contributed to the team's disappointing performance in 2025, especially against the run. The Titans' rushing defense ranked near the NFL's bottom, with opponents frequently controlling the clock and tempo.
By investing the 60th overall pick on Hill, the Titans made a statement: rebuilding their defensive identity through premium draft capital focused on high-impact defensive players. Though options existed to address offensive line depth or receiver additions, the front office chose to prioritize fortifying the defense's core.
Hill joins a growing contingent of defensive reinforcements, including a top-tier defensive lineman taken in the first round and targeted free-agent acquisitions. Borgonzi and the Titans' leadership clearly believe that a strong defense is essential to competing deep into the postseason.
The Texas-Titans Pipeline
This pick further strengthens the emerging pipeline between the University of Texas and the Tennessee Titans. The franchise has formed close scouting relationships with the Longhorns program, which has produced multiple NFL-ready players in recent years.
Texas, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, has established itself as a premier producer of NFL talent. Players from the Longhorns bring physical readiness, mental toughness, and experience playing in high-pressure games. Hill, as a defensive leader at Texas, carries these attributes forward to Nashville.
Next Steps for Hill
Hill's transition to the NFL will be closely watched through the upcoming offseason activities and training camp. Adjusting from college football to NFL pace and complexity will require time, but Hill's football intelligence and athletic traits offer a promising foundation.
Special teams coordinator John Fassel is expected to involve Hill early and often, which is typical for rookies at the linebacker position. Gradually, defensive coaches will increase his responsibilities as he demonstrates command of the defense and play speed.
By the midseason stretch, Hill could very well be competing for a starting spot, given his elite athleticism and the Titans' desire to upgrade linebacker play. The goal is for him to secure a full-time starting role by the 2027 season, contributing heavily to the defensive resurgence the franchise is building.
Conclusion
The selection of Anthony Hill Jr. with the 60th overall pick is a clear signal from the Tennessee Titans organization that the defensive rebuild is underway, anchored by speed, toughness, and SEC pedigree. Hill may still be a fresh name to many fans, but his college resume and physical traits position him to become a key player for Tennessee's defense in the coming years. Titans fans have every reason to be excited about the future as Hill steps onto the field in two-tone blue.
