The Denver Broncos opted for continuity at inside linebacker bringing back both Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad to be their starting duo in 2026. However, they released Dre Greenlaw who had an underwhelming season with the Broncos that was hampered due to injury.
Even though Denver’s starters are set for next season, the future of their inside linebacking corps remains uncertain. With the way Singleton’s deal is structured, the Broncos could move on from him after next season if they so choose. While
I’m high on Jordan Turner as a developmental prospect, Denver certainly could use a long-term investment at the position.
One of my favorite defenders in this year’s draft is Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. A three-year starter for the Longhorns, Hill Jr. is the definition of a playmaker—sporting 17 sacks and forcing 11 turnovers in his collegiate career. Head Coach Sean Payton often talked about the defense needing to force more turnovers—and you’d be hard pressed to find a prospect at linebacker who does it better than the former 5-star recruit out of Denton, Texas.
Should Hill Jr. be on Denver’s radar even though they kept Singleton and Strnad? Absolutely. Let’s do a deep dive into his strengths and weaknesses, and why he would be a great long-term difference maker for the franchise.
Player Profile: Anthony Hill Jr. — Linebacker — Texas
Height: 6’2” | Weight: 238 pounds | Arm Length: 32-3/8” | Hand Size: 9-5/8” | Age: 21 Years Old
40-yard dash: 4.51 seconds | 10-yard split: 1.58 seconds | 3-Cone Drill: N/A
Vertical: 37” | Bench: 21 reps | Broad Jump: 10-5”
Statistics at Texas: 40 games played, 249 tackles, 31.5tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 3 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries.
Film Room & Highlights
Hart’s Scouting Report
Positives:
- Sports elite and unteachable athletic traits and size
- Fits the ‘pressure player’ vision Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph covets in his linebackers
- Notched over a 20-percent pressure rate on blitzes in his career with the Longhorns with 17 sacks
- Incredible knack and ability to generate turnovers via interceptions and forced fumbles
- Intelligent linebacker who is decisive in his movements downhill combating the run
- Credited with only 10 missed tackles on over 1,900 snaps the past 3 seasons
- Top-tier range and sideline-to-sideline ability allow him to cover a lot of ground
- True three-down linebacker with the talent to become one of the best at the position in the NFL
- Just turned 21 years old and has plenty of room for development
Negatives:
- Aggressive nature moving downhill can result in over pursuit and bad angles
- Tackling technique can use improvement, often engaging the opposition too high
- His man coverage skills are still a work in progress, though is adept dropping into zone
- Modest decrease in production in ‘25 compared to his stellar ‘24 campaign
Hart’s Projection: Top 40 Selection (Late First Round, Early Second Round Pick)
Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Hill Jr.
The Broncos have set themselves up to truly consider the best player available when their second-round pick rolls around. While the Ohio State linebacker duo of Arvelle Reese and Sonny Styles have ascended to the top of a lot of team’s boards, where the rest of this year’s talented inside linebacker class lands is still up in the air.
After Reese and Styles, Hill figures to be in the mix as a potential first round prospect alongside Georgia standout C.J. Allen and draft riser Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech. With respect to Hill, he entered the season in with a lot of hype and was floated as a Top 15 pick based on his sensational ‘24 campaign. However, last year’s production wasn’t on par with what we saw from him the year prior. Most outlets now have him rated as a late first-round pick or early Day 2 selection.
Overall, the Longhorns standout has all the tools and ability to be a top performing linebacker in the NFL. He has the unteachable traits, is still just 21 years old, and boasts tremendous playmaking ability. Sean Payton was critical of the team’s defense for not generating enough turnovers and Hill notched over ten in his stellar collegiate career. He can help fix that issue.
In my opinion, Singleton and Strnad returning shouldn’t preclude them from considering a linebacker early on in the 2026 NFL Draft. At some point in time, the green dot torch from Singleton will have to be passed on. That being said, I don’t think there is any way he falls to their selection on Day 2. If Hill starts a slide to bit, he is one prospect I wouldn’t mind Denver being aggressive and moving up to get—even with less picks due to the Jaylen Waddle trade.
As various coaches have noted, it’s not an easy defense to pick up. Getting a prospect in the fold with legitimate starting potential sooner than later would be wise. In the event that either Singleton or Strnad were to miss time due to injury, should we be confident in Turner or the slate of other UDFA prospects from past years being able to come in and play at a high level and not be a liability?
For those reasons, I think Hill would be a prospect to make a bold move for if he experiences a draft day slide. I think he is going to be a difference maker in the NFL and would be a great long-term addition to the Broncos’ defense.
