The Green Bay Packers and Anthony Hill Jr. have emerged as an intriguing possible connection ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Texas linebacker has been identified as a potential target for a team looking to add more speed, range and physicality to the middle of its defense.
Green Bay enters the offseason with playoff ambitions and a roster that still has room for growth on defense. While the Packers have invested heavily in multiple positions, linebacker remains an area where another impact player could help elevate the unit.
Hill brings the kind of athletic profile that naturally attracts NFL evaluators. The Texas standout has shown the ability to flow sideline to sideline, attack downhill against the run and disrupt plays with closing speed that can change possessions.
Those traits would fit well in Green Bay’s defensive structure. Modern linebackers are asked to handle far more than traditional run support, often needing to cover tight ends, chase mobile quarterbacks and stay effective in space against spread offenses.
Texas Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. Named as Green Bay Packers’ Potential NFL Draft Prospect
Hill was recently identified as Green Bay’s potential pick in this year’s NFL Draft. This is detailed more in an analysis by Mike Spofford for the team’s official website.
Texas native spent three seasons at his home state school, racking up 31½ tackles for loss, 17 sacks, three interceptions and eight forced fumbles … Named second-team AP All-America each of the last two years after sharing Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors in 2023 … Was a finalist for the Butkus Award in 2025 … Statistically had his best season in ’24, compiling 113 total tackles, including 16½ for loss and eight sacks, in 16 games … Played in just 10 games last year, missing two due to injury and then skipping bowl game after declaring for the draft … Has all the prototypical linebacker traits to go along with 4.51 speed he clocked in the 40 at the combine … Still a work in progress in coverage but considered a solid three-down player who stays on the attack … Was a high school All-American rated the top inside linebacker in all of Texas; also ran track … Just turned 21 in February.
Adding a player like Hill could also strengthen depth and long-term flexibility. Contending teams often rely on waves of contributors, and young linebackers with versatile skill sets can quickly carve out roles on defense and special teams while developing into larger responsibilities.
Whether Green Bay ultimately selects Hill remains uncertain, but the pairing makes sense on several levels. If the Packers want to become faster and more dynamic in the center of the defense, the linebacker could be a smart addition during draft weekend.
