Anthony Hines NFL Draft Prospect Report

LB, Texas A&M

Hines is a deep sleeper that I have been keeping my eye on. After watching more film on him, I am left with more questions than answers. However, if I was a GM or coach they are questions I’d be willing to try and find the answer to.

Introduction

Hines was a 5 star recruit whose college game film hasn’t lived up to the lofty expectations. He is rangy and athletic making plays from sideline to sideline. However, he doesn’t seem to fight through blocks well and gets lost in the scrum. When he is asked to play coverage, I actually believe he is underrated. He tends to mirror running backs well, and I don’t see him being beat over the top by shifty receiving backs. He stays disciplined to his assignment, and I don’t see him over pursue plays. The Texas A&M scheme tends to have all its linebackers come down hill before falling into zone, which leaves them a bit out of place on pass plays. This leads me to wonder if he doesn’t have better coverage skills in zone than what we are seeing.

Coverage 

When I go back to his high school highlights, I notice he drops well and has smooth hips for someone his size. I see him make plays on the ball as well as the receiver. He breaks up passes in zone sets, so where did that go at the college level?

Prediction 

Hines has hurt himself in my opinion by declaring for the draft, as there isn’t enough tape showing his growth. This is especially true after opting out in 2020. However, I do see growth from week to week making me wonder how much more room he has to grow. I think another year could have helped him. He has elite talent but not production. I love the raw athleticism here though and think he may go from undrafted to late rounder after his combine numbers from his pro day are released. I view him as an off ball linebacker in a 4-3 scheme, and if I’m picking I’d take a shot on this young man with my late pick, or at least be on the phone to sign him right after the draft to see what he can do! -Ken Noble

Jonah’s Thoughts

Anthony Hines III is an athletic linebacker out of Texas A&M. He showed promise his freshman year, but was injured his sophomore year. He had a strong junior year, and then opted out of this past season. Hines could have used another season under his belt to develop further, because he has shown flashes of talent, but hasn’t put it all together for a full season. He has shown good zone coverage skills. Therefore he has the potential as a true three down linebacker. He doesn’t look as good against the run and doesn’t deal with contact well.

Prediction

Early in his career he would be best suited as a passing down linebacker who could also contribute on special teams. He’s still very raw, but is certainly an interesting developmental prospect. His athleticism means there is a lot of untapped potential here. More than likely Hines could be taken in the fifth round by any team. With a strong coaching staff, Hines could develop into a starter and even a star.