As Robert Saleh shifts the defense to a 4-3 scheme, a versatile linebacker is surging toward a starting role by challenging an established veteran.
The Tennessee Titans have a very intriguing group of rookies from the 2026 NFL Draft.
There's Carnell Tate, who is expected to be the WR1 for the Titans as a rookie. Then, you have Keldric Faulk, whose unique build allows him to play multiple positions on the defensive line.
Anthony Hill Jr. is a good fit for the type of Fred Warner linebacker that Robert Saleh has used at his defensive stops.
Fernando Carmona and Pat Coogan are in the middle of training camp position battles. Carmona is battling for the starting job at right guard with Cordell Volson and Jackson Slater, while Coogan is challenging Austin Schlottmann and Andre James for starting center duties.
Nicholas Singleton is fighting for a spot in a crowded running back room. He'll have to earn his place among Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Kalel Mullings, Michael Carter and Julius Chestnut.
Jackie Marshall is working his way into the defensive tackle rotation, and Jaren Kanak is doing the same at tight end.
Hill is an interesting spot. He was actually predicted to overtake Cody Barton for a starting role earlier in the offseason.
Barton and Cedric Gray are two returning starters from last year's defense. The team is now shifting from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense, which means no more outside linebackers. This means that there is going to be a "Will" and a middle linebacker playing off the line of scrimmage.
Titans insider Jim Wyatt spoke on the matter in the latest edition of his weekend mailbag, where he fields questions from fans. One fan asked him about Hill's odds of starting as a rookie. Wyatt shared that it wouldn't surprise him if Hill sees a lot of playing time with an early surge in 2026.
"Cedric Gray and Cody Barton are going to be out there, and Anthony Hill definitely has a chance to earn a starting spot in this new 4-3, especially in the base defense," Wyatt said. "The reality is the team will be playing a lot of different looks, including a 4-2-5 a bunch of the time. Anthony's strength is pass coverage, and the faster he develops the more he's going to be out there. Based on what I've already seen, it wouldn't shock me if he surged early and earned a lot of playing time."
Barton had a productive season last year, but Robert Saleh may favor the rookie over him due to what his scheme requires from a middle linebacker. Barton had 81 total tackles, three interceptions, one sack and four TFLs.
Tate, Faulk, Carmona and Coogan could all potentially start for the Titans this season. Don't be surprised if Hill works his way into a starting role either.
