The Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers have their sights set on a promising linebacker from Texas, Anthony Hill Jr., as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Both teams are keenly interested, having sent their general managers to personally scout Hill, signaling their serious intent.
However, Hill's recent workout left some scouts with mixed impressions. While he opted to rest on his impressive combine numbers, his physical condition drew some scrutiny. Reports suggest that scouts believe Hill needs to spend more time in the weight room to refine his physique.
Despite this, Hill's combine performance was nothing short of remarkable. He clocked a speedy 4.51 in the 40-yard dash, leaped 37 inches in the vertical jump, and powered through 21 reps on the bench press, showcasing his athleticism and strength.
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein paints a picture of Hill as a three-down linebacker with the potential to make waves in the league. His stats at Texas-31.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, and eight forced fumbles over three seasons-highlight his impact across the board.
Hill's instincts and athleticism allow him to transition smoothly from reading the play to reacting and finishing. His ability to disrupt plays, whether pursuing sideline to sideline or engaging in coverage, makes him a versatile asset.
Known for his tackling reliability and field command, Hill is considered one of the safer bets in this linebacker class, ready to contribute immediately as a Mike or Will linebacker.
As the draft approaches, Hill is projected to be a late first-round pick. With the Panthers holding the 19th pick and the Cowboys at 21, both teams are well-positioned to make a move for this dynamic defender.