The Tennessee Titans' training camp is in full swing, and fans are finally getting to see how some of these position battles may shape out. One of the more intriguing battles is happening at linebacker. Returning linebackers Cody Barton and Cedric Gray currently hold the keys to the room, but second-round pick Anthony Hill Jr. isn't too far behind.
The Titans held their first padded practice on Monday, and Hill seems to be playing his best football of camp. In Tuesday's team sessions, Hill recorded two interceptions against backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
Jim Wyatt noted, "Hill dropped in coverage and intercepted quarterback Mitchell Trubisky on a pass across the middle midway through practice, and later he hauled in a tipped Trubisky pass to hit the daily double."
Tennessee Titans rookie LB Anthony Hill Jr. is starting to make big-time plays at training camp
It's no surprise that Hill is beginning to make plays at camp. The linebacker was an athletic freak at the University of Texas, and some of the qualities that made him one of the top defenders in the SEC are beginning to show in Nashville.
Titans DC Gus Bradley also shared on Tuesday that HIll has fully transitioned to the MIKE role. Bradley spoke, "We've got him at one position, the MIKE position, because there's quite a bit on that plate. I've seen him as far as handling the defense, addressing and taking charge of the defense. Then, there's a lot of things happening in practice right, and it doesn't seem to phase him."
The staff's decision to fully commit Hill to MIKE, currently occupied by Cody Barton, could mean we see Hill on the field sooner than expected. Hill would also wear the green dot in this role, meaning he would receive the defensive play calls from Saleh on game days. As stated by Bradley, it's a ton of responsibility, but the rookie is looking like he can handle it so far.
The linebacker battle will be something to keep an eye on, but Robert Saleh selected Anthony Hill Jr. in the 2026 NFL Draft with high aspirations. This linebacker room had some bright spots last year, but pass coverage was certainly not one of them. Hill was more known for his run defense at the college level, so seeing his pass defense skills develop this early is a great sign for the Titans.
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