Colts upgrade at linebacker in latest Mel Kiper Jr. Mock Draft

DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 11: Anthony Hill Jr. #0 of the Texas Longhorns reacts after a tackle in the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Cotton Bowl on October 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images

According to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. (subscription), the Indianapolis Colts will select Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. with the 47th overall pick (2nd round) in his latest 2-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft:

47. Indianapolis Colts

Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

With no first-round pick this year, the Colts should be watching the linebacker board very carefully. They signed Akeem Davis-Gaither, but they don’t really have another viable starter at the position. Hill was getting top-10 buzz last summer, but he’s firmly in the Day 2 mix now after an uneven season. He can cover a lot of ground at the second level and ran a 4.51 at the combine at 238 pounds. But he also has upside as a pass rusher, and there’s a chance he plays on the edge in the pros. He’d be a good fit in Lou Anarumo’s defense.

The 6’2”, 238 pound junior linebacker (with 32 3/8” arms) for the Longhorns recorded 69 tackles (37 solo), 7 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, 2 interceptions, a pass defensed, 3 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery during 10 starts in 2025—missing the last two games of the season due to a hand injury.

Hill Jr. would earn 2nd-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC honors for a consecutive season, having been a Freshman All-American and Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the year back in 2023 respectively.

He has a RAS of 9.93 out of a maximum of 10.0.

Here’s his NFL.com Draft Profile Overview:

Overview

Three-down linebacker with the playing demeanor and production of a future Pro Bowler. He posted 31.5 TFLs, 17 sacks and eight forced fumbles in his three seasons at Texas, making an impact in every phase. He’s instinctive, athletic and under control, transitioning seamlessly from read to react to finish. He plays with downhill thump to thwart interior blocks and the speed to pursue runners from sideline to sideline. 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. Consistency and field command make him one of the safer linebackers in the class. His size, speed and versatility allow him to profile as an instant-impact rookie at Mike or Will ‘backer.

He’s ranked as the 32nd best prospect overall in this year’s draft class by NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah:

Rank 32

Anthony Hill Jr.

Texas · LB · Junior

Hill is a fluid mover with outstanding size and speed. Against the run, he isn’t physical to take on blockers, but he has excellent quickness and change of direction to work around them or avoid them altogether. His instincts and speed put him in position to make a lot of plays. He has outstanding closing speed from the back side. In pass coverage, his change of direction is elite. He can use his burst to make tackles underneath. He has the agility to match up with the athletic tight ends he’ll face at the next level. He’s a reliable, chest-up tackler. He’s also a superb blitzer, relying on speed to pressure quarterbacks. Overall, Hill isn’t an overly violent/aggressive player, but his athleticism is an asset at the position.

It’s no secret that the Colts could use an upgrade at linebacker, as either Austin Ajiake or Jaylon Carlies is currently the projected starter alongside recently signed veteran linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither.

Hill Jr. projects as a fast, three-down linebacker who could add much needed youth, speed, and athleticism to the Colts front seven going forward and an immediate ‘plug-and-play’ starter at their linebacker position for 2026 and beyond.