Feb. 12, 2026, 8:49 p.m. ET
In a recent mock draft using Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator, the Indianapolis Colts addressed the linebacker position in the second round.
To minimize bias, I let the computer make the selections in this mock.
So, who did the Colts come away with in Round 2? Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr.
Hill Jr. has played nearly 2,000 defensive snaps over the last three seasons. During that span, he has generated 60 quarterback pressures and logged 227 total tackles, according to PFF.
In coverage, he’s allowed 8.3 yards per reception with three interceptions and two pass breakups. While mostly playing from the box, Hill Jr. has experience in the slot and lining up along the defensive front.
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He is the fourth-ranked linebacker overall on Mel Kiper Jr.’s big board.
With Germaine Pratt hitting free agency, the starting spot next to Zaire Franklin is available. Ideally, the Colts are able to find an added coverage presence at this position.
During GM Chris Ballard’s end of season press conference, while not mentioning the linebacker position specifically, he discussed the need to get younger and faster on defense. That would seem to apply directly to the linebacker position.
In addition to that, depth is needed at linebacker, and preferably some experienced depth, with there being little of that on the current roster beyond Franklin.