The Tennessee Titans made their second selection of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night, using it to fortify the heart of their defense. With the No. 60 overall pick in the second round, the Titans selected Anthony Hill Jr., a dynamic linebacker out of the University of Texas. The pick, officially announced on April 24, signals a clear priority for the franchise: injecting youth, speed, and physicality into a defensive unit being reshaped under new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.
Hill is a familiar name to those who followed Texas football over the past two seasons. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound linebacker emerged as one of the most consistent and instinctive defenders in the Big 12 and later the SEC during his time in Austin. For a Titans team that has long built its identity around a punishing run defense and sideline-to-sideline linebacker presence, Hill represents a natural fit.
A Prototype Linebacker for the Titans
Watching Anthony Hill Jr. on tape, his pad level immediately stands out. He plays low, delivering a violent punch at the point of attack, and consistently stacks and sheds blockers in the run game. These skills translate immediately to the NFL level, especially for a division where the Titans will face physical rushing attacks from the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans twice a year.
Hill finished his 2025 season at Texas with 98 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, and three forced fumbles. These numbers are impressive, but context is equally important. Hill was the defensive quarterback for a Longhorns team that held opponents to under 120 rushing yards per game in SEC play. His ability to diagnose run fits quickly and trigger downhill makes him an ideal fit for a Titans defense that wants to dictate the line of scrimmage rather than react to it.
General manager Mike Borgonzi, who played a key role in the pre-draft process, praised Hill after the pick. "Anthony is exactly the kind of linebacker we want in this building. He plays fast, he plays physical, and he has a feel for the game that you can't coach. We think he can come in and compete for significant snaps right away."
Filling a Need in the Middle
The Titans entered the 2026 offseason with a clear hole at the off-ball linebacker position. While the team still boasts a strong defensive front, the second level had a need for an infusion of talent. Adding Hill gives the Titans a player who can eventually wear the green dot and run the defense, though he doesn't have to take on that responsibility immediately.
What makes Hill particularly intriguing is his versatility. He's not a one-down linebacker. He is effective on early downs against the run, but also has the athleticism to drop into coverage and carry tight ends or running backs across the middle. At Texas, he was used in multiple alignments--stacking over the ball, walking down to the line of scrimmage in pressure packages, and even aligning over slot receivers in nickel situations. That versatility will allow defensive coordinator Gus Bradley to deploy him in various ways without tipping the defense's hand.
Hill also brings a relentless motor. His tape shows plays where he battles through contact and blocks to make tackles far downfield. This kind of competitive toughness is a hallmark of historic Titans defenses and exactly what the coaching staff wants to reinstate.
The Bigger Draft Picture
With the 60th overall pick, the Titans were in a position where the board rarely offers a can't-miss prospect. However, Hill was widely regarded as one of the best pure linebackers in this draft class, and snagging him late in the second round represents strong value. Several draft analysts projected him to go in the late first or early second round, so seeing him available at No. 60 was a welcome surprise for the Titans' war room.
Notably, the Titans did not have a first-round pick in this year's draft, having traded it to the Chicago Bears earlier in the offseason in a deal to move up and select Hill. This trade was part of a broader roster reshaping that also included signing several veteran free agents. It meant the Titans had to be patient on Day 1 and capitalize on their Day 2 opportunities, with the Hill selection marking a strong step forward.
The Titans still have several picks remaining in the draft, including a third-round selection later on Friday night. With needs at wide receiver, offensive line depth, and cornerback, it will be interesting to see how Nashville prioritizes those positions moving forward. For now, the focus remains on the addition of a player who may become a cornerstone of the defense.
Expert Opinions
Draft analysts have been largely positive about the Titans' selection of Hill. Many have highlighted his football IQ and leadership as qualities that will help him quickly adapt to the professional game. One analyst called Hill a "starter-caliber talent" whose fit in a defense asking linebackers to play downhill is nearly ideal.
Another evaluator praised Hill's ability to play through contact and labeled him a "tone-setter" capable of changing the energy of a defensive unit. Such intangible traits are hard to quantify but matter greatly for a Titans team eager to re-establish a culture of toughness after finishing below .500 in the 2025 season.
Looking Ahead
The Titans will begin rookie minicamp in early May. All eyes will be on how quickly Hill can master the playbook and adjust to the NFL's faster pace. He will get the chance to compete for a starting job immediately, although the team may choose to bring him along gradually depending on the veteran linebacker group's status in training camp.
One thing is clear: the Titans believe they have added a difference-maker. In a draft where the team did not have a first-round pick, landing a second-round talent like Hill is a significant win. If he develops as the front office expects, Hill could be the Titans' middle linebacker for the coming decade.
The 2026 NFL Draft continues Friday with the third and fourth rounds. For now, Titans fans have every reason to be excited about the player they acquired at No. 60 overall. Anthony Hill Jr. is heading to Nashville, prepared to make an immediate impact on Tennessee's defense.
