The Tennessee Titans have spent large portions of the offseason retooling the defense for new head coach Robert Saleh. That sentiment carried over into the 2026 NFL Draft. The Titans have traded up for two defenders through Round 3, snagging defensive end Keldric Faulk at No. 31, and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. during the second round.
The Titans had been long rumored to acquire a starting-caliber linebacker this offseason. It has not happened during free agency, with rotational player Mohamoud Diabate being the lone veteran signing at the position. Saleh and Mike Borgonzi found their opportunity during the NFL Draft, trading up in front of the linebacker-needy Denver Broncos to secure Hill.
Attention immediately shifted to Hill's fit in Saleh's defense. The Denton, Texas native is a rangy and instinctual linebacker. To gain a better understanding of Hill's profile, Titan Sized spoke with FanSided NFL Draft guru Mike Luciano.
NFL Draft: Tennessee Titans land rangy, elite run defender in Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr.
"Hill doesn't cover as well as a premium athlete with 4.5 speed should, and that will need to be improved with coaching," FanSided's Mike Luciano said. "The silver lining for anyone who drafts him is that Hill provides elite run defense, great range, and leadership at the heart of any defense, and he could become a Pro Bowler if the right defensive scheme puts him in good positions."
Luciano's opening sentence is pivotal. Hill posted premium athletic testing numbers at the NFL Combine and Pro Day, but needs refined coaching. Saleh and Titans defensive coordinator Gus Bradley are a pretty great duo to oversee his development and convert his athletic abilities into tangible production.
Leadership and elite run defense are two additional points that immediately stick out. Borgonzi appreciates high-character prospects who are mature and can lead a unit. Hill, a former five-star recruit, consistently lived up to his billing at Texas.
Luciano claims Hill could develop into a Pro Bowler in the right defensive scheme. Coach Saleh possesses a rich history of developing high-end linebackers such as Fred Warner and Azeez Al-Shaair. Hill will appreciate an opportunity to grow under Saleh. He could reach his Pro Bowl-potential in Tennessee.
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