Titans' young linebacker duo named one to watch heading into 2026
TL;DR
The Titans' linebacker duo of Cedric Gray and Anthony Hill Jr. is recognized as a top pairing to watch for the 2026 NFL season. Gray, a second-year starter, and Hill, a promising rookie, bring athleticism and skill to the Titans' defense.
Key points
- Titans' linebacker duo recognized as top pairing for 2026
- Cedric Gray ranked seventh in PFF linebacker grades for 2025
- Anthony Hill Jr. showcased elite athleticism and strong rookie performance
With all the attention on the NFL schedule release, it’s easy to overlook some opinions or news that comes out focused on specific players or teams.
It was almost the case of this next piece, which focused on the top rookie-veteran pairings heading into the 2026 NFL season, where Daire Carragher of Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranks the Titans among the top young linebacker units in the NFL.
LB Cedric Gray & Anthony Hill Jr., Tennessee Titans
Entering his second season as a starter, Gray is not as established as some of the other players mentioned on this list, but he finished 2025 as PFF’s seventh-highest-graded linebacker. His 92.7 PFF run-defense grade ranked second among linebackers behind only Jack Campbell. Gray may have challenged for an elite overall grade if not for underwhelming production as a blitzer, recording just one sack on 60 pass-rushing snaps.
The 2024 fourth-round pick missed most of his rookie season due to injury before returning late in the year and standing out on special teams. His starting tape from 2025 was not flawless, as he recorded three games with at least three missed tackles and earned a 28.1 PFF grade in a 24-point loss to the Colts. Still, the addition of Anthony Hill Jr. to Tennessee’s front seven could form one of the league’s more intriguing young linebacker pairings.
Hill was projected as a first-round pick entering his final season at Texas, and his 2025 campaign largely justified that reputation. He recorded 63 tackles with only three misses all season.
Hill also brings elite athleticism, highlighted by a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at the combine. He did not allow a touchdown in coverage during the 2025 season while recording two interceptions. Opposing offenses completed just 20 passes into his coverage, down from 51 the previous season.
This may not be the league’s most heralded linebacker duo entering 2026, but it could be among the most overlooked.
The combination of Gray and Hill profiles as a violent, impactful duo for the new-look Titans’ front. Both have the athleticism and skill set to thrive in Robert Saleh’s defense, and with the upgrades along the defensive line, both should see plenty of opportunities to make an impact.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Titans' young linebacker duo named one to watch heading into 2026
Q&A
What makes Cedric Gray and Anthony Hill Jr. a top linebacker duo for the Titans in 2026?
Cedric Gray finished 2025 as PFF's seventh-highest-graded linebacker, while Anthony Hill Jr. showcased elite athleticism and strong performance in his rookie season, making them a formidable pairing.
How did Cedric Gray perform in his first season as a starter for the Titans?
In his first season as a starter, Cedric Gray earned a 92.7 PFF run-defense grade, ranking second among linebackers, despite struggling with blitzing and missed tackles in some games.
What were Anthony Hill Jr.'s key achievements during the 2025 NFL season?
Anthony Hill Jr. recorded 63 tackles with only three misses, did not allow a touchdown in coverage, and made two interceptions, highlighting his strong performance as a rookie.