The Chicago Bears have been on a quest to recapture the magic of their defense since the legendary Brian Urlacher hung up his cleats. Urlacher was a rare breed-his blend of size, speed, and instinct made him a formidable opponent for any NFL quarterback.
While Roquan Smith brought some of that spark back in 2018, the search for Urlacher's true successor continues. Enter Anthony Hill Jr.
Bears fans might not have linebackers on their radar for the 25th overall pick this April, but that might need to change. With the likelihood of Tremaine Edmunds being cut before March 11th and Noah Sewell hitting free agency, the Bears will be down two starters.
While the defensive line has been the talk of the town, Hill's talent is hard to overlook. His performance at Texas over the last three seasons has been nothing short of spectacular, standing tall alongside some of the best linebackers in recent memory, including the Bears' own icon.
Career Stats Comparison
- Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas): 249 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 2024 1st-Team All-American
- Micah Parsons (Penn State): 191 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 2019 Consensus All-American
- Roquan Smith (Georgia): 252 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2017 SEC Defensive POTY
- Bobby Wagner (Utah St.): 445 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3x 1st-Team All-WAC
- Luke Kuechly (BC): 532 tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2011 Bronko Nagurski Trophy
- Brian Urlacher (New Mexico): 442 tackles, 11 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, 1999 1st-Team All-American
Anthony Hill Jr. is the complete package. Finding linebackers who are big, fast, and intelligent is no easy task.
Hill, standing at 6'3" and weighing 240 lbs, combines speed with sharp instincts, making him a standout prospect. He's projected to clock in the low 4.4s at the scouting combine, showcasing his elite athleticism.
His fit within Dennis Allen’s defensive scheme could be seamless.
Allen’s aggressive blitz packages require linebackers who can apply pressure, and Hill’s college record of 17 sacks as an off-ball linebacker speaks volumes. Just think about Demario Davis under Allen in New Orleans, racking up 31 sacks over seven seasons. Hill has the potential to exceed that if he joins the Bears.
People often forget that Urlacher was a blitzing force when he emerged from New Mexico in 2000. He had 21 sacks in his first four seasons, a testament to his versatility. While Urlacher later became known for his coverage and run-stopping abilities, his early blitzing prowess was pivotal.
Linebacker might not be the flashiest position in today’s game, but it’s undeniably impactful when you get it right. Urlacher transformed the Bears' defense in 2000, and Smith did it again in 2018.
Look at the 49ers with Fred Warner or the Eagles with Zack Baun-difference-makers elevate defenses. Anthony Hill Jr. is one of those difference-makers.
If he’s available at #25, the Bears should seriously consider bringing him to Chicago.