The Indianapolis Colts are almost all set on the offensive side of the field, but that's definitely not the case on defense. Lou Anarumo's unit gave up 364.4 total yards per game (23rd), as well as the second-most passing yards (247.9).
The Colts haven't done much to address their defensive issues in free agency. And with Zaire Frankling and Segun Olubi leaving and Jacob Phillips and Germaine Pratt not likely to return, they have some major needs at linebacker.
That's what makes Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. such an obvious candidate to be their pick at No. 47. They'll have to do plenty of praying and hoping he's still there by the time they're on the clock, though.
The Indianapolis Colts need Anthony Hill Jr.
The Colts need to replace the two linebackers who played the most snaps for them last season. Hill is a true iron man, logging 1,963 snaps in his three-year collegiate career, including 563 in his final year with the Longhorns.
He's a sideline-to-sideline type of guy with a never-stopping motor and a knack for knocking people to the ground. All in all, he had 227 total tackles (171 solo) and only missed 29 for an 11.3 missed tackle percentage. He missed just three last season.
Hill is a privileged athlete with a knack for getting to the quarterback. He posted 17 sacks, 31.5 tackles for loss -- including a SEC-leading 16.5 in 2024 -- four passes defensed, two fumble recoveries, eight forced fumbles -- with a SEC-best four in 2024 -- and three interceptions.
Moreover, he lined up all over the defensive line, even in the slot, making him a perfect fit for Anarumo's disguised coverages, pre-snap motion, and positional shenanigans. Those didn't do much to help in 2025, and he'll be under a lot of pressure to fix the defense in year two.
As bad as the Colts' defense was last season, they did rank seventh in rushing yards allowed per game (101.9). Hill is a strong run-stopper who knows how to work his angles to stay in front of the ball-carrier and limit running lanes.
Hill is the prototype of the modern-day linebacker. He's someone who can stuff the run in the box or drop into coverage efficiently, and his feel for the game and impressive closing speed make him an intriguing pickup. It wouldn't be shocking to see him go sooner, but if he's available, he should be a no-brainer selection.
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