The Tennessee Titans are fresh off their first win of the season, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 26-20. The team's first victory featured a gritty second-half comeback and three turnovers forced by Robert Saleh's defensive unit.
In order for the Titans to achieve this much-needed divisional win, young players were going to have to step up. While much of the media spotlight has been on star wideout Carnell Tate, there's another rookie in Tennessee who is beginning to put the league on notice.
Second-round pick Anthony Hill Jr. has taken his green-dot role by storm, and has been flying around the field every Sunday.
Titans rookie LB Anthony Hill Jr. is blossoming into a star defender
Coach Saleh has constantly preached that this team's identity will be "Fast and Violent," and Hill undoubtedly lived up to his coach's philosophy on Sunday. At one point in the second half, the Colts drew up a run play that included a pulling tackle. Hill immediately shot the gap, beating the pulling lineman and caused a five-yard loss.
Anthony Hill got there quick, fast, and in a hurry
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 18, 2026
📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/MRCVm1nYzX
Coming out of the University of Texas, Hill was primarily known for his elite athletic ability. One of his lesser-appreciated traits was his ability to blitz and apply pressure. Although the Titans rank 28th in NFL blitz rate, when Saleh does send the house, he has increasingly turned to his rookie linebacker. Hill has impressed on his few opportunities as a blitzer, and it's only a matter of time before he gets his first career sack.
Even on plays where Hill makes a mistake, he is still able to put himself in the correct position to make a play. In the fourth quarter, slot receiver Josh Downs crossed behind him into his zone, and Hill perfectly tracked the route and was right on Downs' hip. If it weren't for a perfect throw and catch, the rookie LB might've gotten his first interception.
Hill is only six games into his rookie season and has become one of the leaders of this defense. He's shown key improvement over this short stretch, and if he continues on this trajectory, it's just a matter of time before Hill becomes a household name in Nashville.
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