Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo picks a “hidden draft gem” or mid-round sleeper for the Indianapolis Colts to watch at the NFL Combine.
So who did Melo choose to join the Colts? Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr.
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“Texas’ Anthony Hill Jr. is an instinctive defender with ideal size and length,” Melo wrote. “Chris Ballard loves big athletes, and Hill Jr. should check the box at the NFL Combine.”
Hill Jr. has played nearly 2,000 defensive snaps over the past three seasons. During that span, he had 60 pressures on the quarterback and racked up 227 tackles, according to PFF.
Defensively, he was allowed 8.3 yards per catch with three interceptions and two breakups. Although Hill plays primarily in the paint, he has experience in both the slot and on the defensive front.
In Lance Zierlein’s pre-draft scouting report, he called Hill a “third base linebacker with the style and ability to be a future Pro Bowler.”
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Based on Zierlein’s assessment, Hill could provide a well-rounded skill set to NFL defenses.
“Hill has great cover talent in man-to-man or zone coverage, proven credentials as a blitzer or edge rusher, and finishes as a strong, reliable tackler,” Zierlein wrote.
Linebacker is one of the Colts’ biggest needs this offseason. Veteran depth and overall competition at the position are a must, not to mention additional coverage next to Zaire Franklin is also a requirement.
General manager Chris Ballard said he wants to get younger and faster on defense this offseason. That sentiment seems directly applicable to the linebacker position.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Analysts pick mid-round gems for Indianapolis Colts