Full Breakdown
Titans Draft Anthony Hill Jr. to Bolster Linebacker Corps
7/18/2026, 12:12:55 PM
Draft Decision and Immediate Outlook
The Tennessee Titans used the second-round, Day Two pick of the 2025 NFL Draft to select Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. with the 60th overall selection. General manager Mike Borgonzi moved back into the second round after the team’s earlier trade pursuits failed to produce a linebacker, positioning Hill as a potential successor to veteran MIKE linebacker Bart Barton.
Trade Market Speculation and Shift to the Draft
“Throughout the early stages of the 2025 offseason, it was widely reported that the Titans were heavily involved in the trade market for linebackers (presumably for Barton's replacement),” wrote Bleacher Report analyst Paul Kuharsky. When “none of these trades materialized and Tennessee made no significant free agent signings at linebacker, the focus then shifted to potential additions during the draft.” This pivot set the stage for the Day Two selection of Hill.
Key Personnel and Prospects
- Anthony Hill Jr. – 21-year-old Texas linebacker, two-time first-team All-SEC performer, praised for “tremendous downhill feel as a run-defender and blitzer.”
- Mike Borgonzi – Titans general manager who orchestrated the second-round pick.
- Bart Barton – Current MIKE linebacker whose role may be challenged by Hill.
- Robert Saleh – Head coach overseeing defensive strategy and the integration of new talent.
Analyst Assessment
Kuharsky argues that Hill “should be given every chance to dethrone Barton as the Titans' MIKE linebacker to prove Tennessee's defense with more upside under Robert Saleh's direction.” He also notes the rookie could serve “not only as a potential starter, but as the unit's primary communicator as well,” suggesting a leadership role early in his career.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Throughout the early stages of the 2025 offseason, it was widely reported that the Titans were heavily involved in the trade market for linebackers (presumably for Barton's replacement),” — Paul Kuharsky, Bleacher Report
- “After none of these trades materialized and Tennessee made no significant free agent signings at linebacker, the focus then shifted to potential additions during the draft.” — Paul Kuharsky, Bleacher Report
- “After none of these trades materialized and Tennessee made no significant free agent signings at linebacker, the focus then shifted to potential additions during the draft. This speculation came to fruition after [general manager Mike] Borgonzi traded back up into the second round on Day Two to select Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. with the 60th overall pick.” — Paul Kuharsky, Bleacher Report
- “ The 21-year-old Hill is an outstanding athlete, with tremendous downhill feel as a run-defender and blitzer.” — Paul Kuharsky, Bleacher Report
- “Hill should be given every chance to dethrone Barton as the Titans' MIKE linebacker to prove Tennessee's defense with more upside under Robert Saleh's direction.” — Paul Kuharsky, Bleacher Report
