Anthony Hill Jr.

NFL Draft Profile: Anthony Hill Jr.

Position: Linebacker | School: Texas | Class: Junior

Height: 6'3" | Weight: 238 lbs | Archetype: Hybrid (Off-Ball LB / Pressure Weapon)

College Career Summary

Anthony Hill Jr. lived up to his five-star billing from the moment he stepped onto the Forty Acres. As a freshman in 2023, he earned Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors, famously terrorizing Alabama in a breakout performance. In 2024, he became the heartbeat of the Longhorns' defense, recording 113 tackles and 8.0 sacks, proving to be one of the most effective blitzing linebackers in the country. His 2025 junior campaign saw him assume full leadership as the defensive signal-caller. Despite missing the final two regular-season games with a fractured hand, he remained a Butkus Award finalist and an All-SEC selection. Hill enters the draft as a modern "havoc-wreaker" who can stop the run, drop in zone, or pass-rush like a defensive end.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 40 (32 Starts)

• Total Tackles: 249

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 31.5 (7.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 17.0 (4.0 in 2025)

• Forced Fumbles: 8 (3 in 2025)

• Interceptions: 3 (2 in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
@ Ohio State	6 Tkl	B	Physical at the point of attack; solid containment.
vs. San Jose St.	6 Tkl, 2 FF	A	High Star impact; two forced fumbles changed momentum.
vs. UTEP	3 Tkl	B-	Relatively quiet; played limited snaps in a blowout.
vs. Sam Houston	2 Tkl, 1 TFL	B	Disciplined; shot the gap for a clean TFL.
@ Florida	14 Tkl, 1 FR	A+	Season Best. Total sideline-to-sideline erasure.
vs. Oklahoma	7 Tkl	A-	Leadership. Masterful play-calling in a rivalry win.
@ Kentucky	12 Tkl, 1 INT	A	Showed elite Play Recognition on the interception.
@ Miss. State	10 Tkl, 2.5 Sk	A+	Blitz Specialist. Unblockable off the edge/A-gap.
vs. Georgia	6 Tkl, 1 INT	B+	Battled through a hand injury; elite Mental Toughness.
vs. Arkansas	—	N/A	OUT (Fractured hand).
@ Texas A&M	—	N/A	OUT (Hand/Precautionary).

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Blitzing Prowess: Hill is the best pass-rushing off-ball linebacker in this class. He uses a "pro-style" dip and violent hands to beat offensive tackles when walked up to the edge.

• Sideline-to-Sideline Range: His Speed and Pursuit allow him to erase outside run plays. He triggers downhill with rare suddenness.

• Instincts/IQ: As the "Green Dot" for Texas, his Play Recognition is high-level. He snuffs out screens and draws before they develop.

• Physicality: Despite not being a 250lb thumper, he plays with "controlled violence" and is a secure wrap-up tackler in space.

Weaknesses

• Block Shedding: At times, he can get "stuck" when a climbing 310lb guard gets their hands on his chest. He needs to improve his stack-and-shed Technique.

• Man Coverage Polish: While excellent in zone, he can occasionally be exploited by shiftier slot receivers or elite receiving backs in 1-on-1 man situations.

• Over-Aggression: His high Motor sometimes leads to over-pursuit, creating cutback lanes for savvy ball carriers.

Scheme Fit: Ideal WILL Linebacker in a 4-2-5 or an Off-Ball Joker in a 3-4.

NFL Comparison: Edgerrin Cooper / Roquan Smith (Lite)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 18/20 | Attributes: 18/20 | Athleticism: 19/20 | IQ: 18/20

Final Grade: 92/100

Anthony Hill Jr. is the prototype for the modern NFL linebacker. In a league that prioritizes "pressure players," Hill offers the rare ability to play traditional MIKE/WILL roles while providing a 10-sack ceiling as a blitzer. His injury at the end of 2025 is a non-factor for his draft stock, as his body of work against elite SEC competition is undeniable. He is a high-character Team Player who will likely be a defensive captain by year three in the NFL.

Draft Projection: 1st Round (Top 20 Pick)