Titans Select Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr. in Second Round After Moving Up in Trade With the Bears

NASHVILLE – Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. was a productive playmaker during a decorated college career at the University of Texas.

In the NFL, with the Titans, Hill hopes to make his mark in more ways than one.

"I think I bring versatility, and I bring a physical presence that a lot of people don't have," Hill said after being picked. "I'm a guy who is going to work hard and do his job and be a great teammate.

"I am happy to be a Titan."

The Titans selected Hill in the second round of Friday night's NFL Draft after trading up to pick him with the 60th overall pick.

He's looking forward to playing for head coach Robert Saleh, a defensive-minded coach in Tennessee.

"I know one thing: He is a fast and physical football coach," Hill said of Saleh. "And I am excited to play for a defense and a DC that's going to be able to play fast and physical. … I know (Coach Saleh) is going to develop me, so I am going to be all ears. I am ready to learn and I am ready to be coached."

Hill (6-2, 238) was a second-team Associated Press All-American two years in a row for the Longhorns.

In 2025, Hill tallied 69 tackles, four sacks and seven tackles for a loss while earning the honor in a year when he was also finalist for the Butkus Award, which goes to the nation's top linebacker.

In 2024, Hill earned second-team AP All-American honors after leading the team with 113 tackles, eight sacks and 16.5 tackles for a loss.

In three college seasons, Hill played in 40 games and accumulated 249 tackles, seven sacks and 31.5 tackles for a loss.

Hill paid a 30 visit to Tennessee during the pre-draft process, and he said he loved his connection with the coaching staff.

"I feel like it was a great connection," he said. "I loved the city, and I am so excited to be in Nashville."

The Titans moved from the third round to the second round to get Hill.

The Titans received pick No. 60 from the Bears in the second round, and the Titans sent picks 69 (third round) and 144 (fifth round) to the Bears.

As Hill sat in his car doing a Zoom call after being picked, his father looked inside the window and expressed his feelings about his son being drafted by the Titans.

"It's a blessing," Hill's father said. "We've been working for a long time for this, since (Anthony) was five years old. I am so proud of him, and he worked hard to be in this moment. We're blessed. We're blessed to be here."

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