Buccaneers Scouts Divided on Linebacker Anthony Hill's NFL Potential

Mel Kiper projects the Bucs to draft the Texas LB, but some scouts question his instincts and physicality

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:35am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football linebacker in mid-tackle, with sharp, overlapping planes of deep green, orange, and grey hues conveying the raw power and intensity of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a hard-hitting linebacker's physicality and instincts, key traits that NFL scouts are debating for prospect Anthony Hill.Today in Tampa

In the lead-up to the 2026 NFL Draft, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper has projected the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to select Texas linebacker Anthony Hill in the second round. However, some NFL scouts have expressed concerns about Hill's lack of natural instincts and physicality, leading to a divide on his draft value.

Why it matters

With the retirement of longtime Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David, the team has a clear need at the position. The Bucs have emphasized adding physical, hard-nosed defenders this offseason, so Hill's perceived shortcomings in those areas could make him a questionable fit for Tampa Bay's defensive identity.

The details

Kiper believes Hill's size, athleticism, and production at Texas make him an ideal target for the Buccaneers. But one scout noted that Hill struggles with taking on blockers and reading plays, while another said he lacks the natural 'linebacker mentality.' Despite his impressive stats, including 249 tackles, 17 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 8 forced fumbles, some scouts view Hill as more of a Day 3 prospect rather than a second-round value.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

Mel Kiper

ESPN NFL draft analyst who has projected the Buccaneers to select Texas linebacker Anthony Hill in the second round of the 2026 draft.

Anthony Hill

A linebacker prospect from the University of Texas who has drawn mixed reviews from NFL scouts ahead of the 2026 draft.

Lavonte David

Longtime starting linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who recently retired, creating a need at the position.

Jason Licht

General manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who has emphasized adding physical, hard-nosed defenders to the team's roster this offseason.

Bob McGinn

Veteran NFL writer who has spoken to scouts who rank Hill as the eighth-best linebacker in the 2026 draft class and believe he is not a good value for the Buccaneers in the second round.

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What they’re saying

“One scout noted that Hill's take-on ability is not great, and he's not a natural reader of plays. He's built like a pro, but there are question marks when it comes to his instincts and physicality.”

— Anonymous Scout

“McGinn's contacts suggest that Hill is not the instinctive or physical player he's hyped up to be. His biomechanical issues and average athleticism are red flags, and his lack of a linebacker mentality could be a problem.”

— Bob McGinn, Veteran NFL Writer

What’s next

The Buccaneers will have the opportunity to evaluate Hill and other linebacker prospects at the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April 24-26.

The takeaway

The Buccaneers' need at linebacker and their focus on adding physical, hard-nosed defenders this offseason could make Anthony Hill a risky pick in the second round, given the mixed reviews from NFL scouts on his instincts, physicality, and overall fit for Tampa Bay's defensive identity.