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Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo selected one "hidden draft gem" or mid-round sleeper for the Indianapolis Colts to watch at the NFL combine.
So who did Melo select for the Colts? Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr.
"Texas' Anthony Hill Jr. is an instinctual defender with ideal size and length," Melo wrote. "Chris Ballard loves big athletes, and Hill Jr. should check boxes at the NFL Combine."
Hill Jr. has played nearly 2,000 defensive snaps over the last three seasons. During that span, he has generated 60 quarterback pressures and logged 227 total tackles, according to PFF.
In coverage, he's allowed 8.3 yards per reception with three interceptions and two pass breakups. While mostly playing from the box, Hill Jr. has experience in the slot and lining up along the defensive front.
In Lance Zierlein's pre-draft scouting report, he called Hill a "Three-down linebacker with the playing demeanor and production of a future Pro Bowler."
By Zierlein's assessment, Hill can provide an NFL defense with a well-rounded skill set.
"Hill has plus cover talent in man or zone, proven credentials as a blitzer or edge rusher, and finishes plays as a strong, reliable tackler," Zierlein wrote.
Linebacker is one of the Colts' biggest needs this offseason. Experienced depth and overall competition at this position is a must, not to mention that an added coverage presence next to Zaire Franklin is a requirement as well.
GM Chris Ballard said he wants to get younger and faster on defense this offseason. That sentiment seemingly applies directly to the linebacker position.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Analyst picks mid-round gem for Indianapolis Colts
Continue reading...
So who did Melo select for the Colts? Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr.
"Texas' Anthony Hill Jr. is an instinctual defender with ideal size and length," Melo wrote. "Chris Ballard loves big athletes, and Hill Jr. should check boxes at the NFL Combine."
Hill Jr. has played nearly 2,000 defensive snaps over the last three seasons. During that span, he has generated 60 quarterback pressures and logged 227 total tackles, according to PFF.
In coverage, he's allowed 8.3 yards per reception with three interceptions and two pass breakups. While mostly playing from the box, Hill Jr. has experience in the slot and lining up along the defensive front.
In Lance Zierlein's pre-draft scouting report, he called Hill a "Three-down linebacker with the playing demeanor and production of a future Pro Bowler."
By Zierlein's assessment, Hill can provide an NFL defense with a well-rounded skill set.
"Hill has plus cover talent in man or zone, proven credentials as a blitzer or edge rusher, and finishes plays as a strong, reliable tackler," Zierlein wrote.
Linebacker is one of the Colts' biggest needs this offseason. Experienced depth and overall competition at this position is a must, not to mention that an added coverage presence next to Zaire Franklin is a requirement as well.
GM Chris Ballard said he wants to get younger and faster on defense this offseason. That sentiment seemingly applies directly to the linebacker position.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Analyst picks mid-round gem for Indianapolis Colts
Continue reading...
