As the 2026 NFL Draft continues to gain attention in early January, the Indianapolis Colts are already eyeing ways to bolster a roster that finished 8-9 in 2025.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Matt Miller’s overview of the Colts’ offseason floated Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. — a versatile defender who totaled 249 tackles and 17 sacks over his three-year Longhorns career — as a pick whose skill set aligns closely with the Colts’ needs on the defensive front seven.
“Linebacker has been a weak point for the defense, and this draft is loaded with talented prospects with second-round grades,” Miller wrote. “Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas) has the range and versatility to be a good fit.”
Indianapolis enters the offseason without a first-round pick, a consequence of previous trades, leaving them to look for impact talent later in the draft. Hill represents exactly the kind of player who could make a difference when Indy is finally on the clock Friday night.
What Anthony Hill Jr. Could Bring To Colts Defense
Linebacker has been an area of concern for several seasons. Injuries, and underperforming personnel have limited their ability to pressure the quarterback and stop the run.
While they’ve invested in some veteran pieces, the lack of first-round capital means hitting on mid-round selections is more critical than ever. Hill’s profile fits neatly with this strategy: a potential three-down player who can impact both the run and pass games.
LB Anthony Hill Jr. is headed to the 2026 NFL Draft. What a three years it was for the former Denton Ryan Raider:
• 249 total tackles
• 136 solo tackles
• 17 sacks
• 31.5 TFL
• 8 FF
• 3 INT
• 2 FRWhat a career. pic.twitter.com/7lMg78L1rd
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) December 8, 2025
Hill’s 2025 season at Texas reinforced his reputation as a playmaker. He consistently demonstrated sideline-to-sideline speed, the ability to read plays quickly, and a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Those attributes translate well to the NFL, particularly for a Colts defense that has struggled to find linebackers who can cover ground effectively.
Chris Ballard And Shane Steichen’s Redemption Shot
The Colts’ front office, led by GM Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen, has emphasized continuity this offseason after a late-season collapse that saw the team lose seven straight games following an 8-2 start.
The duo has made it clear that while quarterback stability remains the top priority — with Daniel Jones’ free agency and recovery from a torn Achilles under close evaluation — shoring up the defensive front seven is the other crucial piece for 2026.
Hill could be that for them. Scouts have noted his football IQ, toughness, and leadership qualities, all of which align with a Colts roster that is young but looking for on-field communicators who can help a defense in transition.
The Colts won’t be on the clock until later in the first day of the draft, a reality that makes strategy essential. Without a first-round pick, every selection counts, and targeting a versatile player like Hill could provide immediate returns.
Anthony Hill Jr. (#0) out of Texas has some stellar tape over the last two years. A very well rounded LB prospect in this draft class.
🔥Solid floor in run defense.
🔥Athletic player who can shoot gap quickly.
🔥Plus coverage skills to keep up with NFL TEs and RBs. pic.twitter.com/EO8CZw8FyE— Newt Westen (@NFLDraft_Westen) December 16, 2025
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If Indianapolis can secure him, Hill would be in line to see snaps across multiple defensive schemes, giving coach Steichen flexibility and helping address some of the unit’s most pressing needs.
Draft analysts believe Hill could go in the early to mid-second round, which lines up perfectly with the Colts’ draft timing. If he’s available when Indy selects, he may be among the highest-priority targets.
Texas Star Labeled ‘Good Fit’ for Colts in NFL Draft