Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Coordinator Anthony Campanile answers questions after the Jaguars 14th NFL training camp session at Miller Electric Center Tuesday August 12, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars travel to New Orleans to play the Saints this Sunday in their second preseason game. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jaguars Take a Look at Experienced Linebacker Prospect

Originally posted on Jacksonville Jaguars on SI
By John Shipley | Last updated Apr 13, 2026 8:12 AM ET

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars have a clear need on their linebacker entering the final weeks of the draft process, and they are clearly doing their homework.

According to NFL Draft On SI's Justin Melo, the Jaguars met via Zoom with Alabama linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green, an experienced and productive prospect and former four-star recruit.

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"I’ve met virtually with the San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars. I have a local day workout coming up with the Washington Commanders," Hill-Green told Melo.

So, who is Hill-Green and how could he potentially fit with the Jaguars following Devin Lloyd's exit? We break it down below.

Hill-Green's Fit With Jaguars

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When looking at past linebacker prospects general manager James Gladstone has been involved with drafting in the past, Hill-Green certainly checks a few boxes. He is not a top pick by any means, with his range seemingly being late Day 3 and potentially as a priority undrafted free agent. Of the seven linebackers Gladstone has been involved with drafting in his career, three were in the seventh round.

Hill-Green also fits the traits of being an older prospect and having a high level of experience, playing 55 games across five seasons in his career. Simply from a tendencies standpoint regarding Gladstone's draft history, it is clear that Hill-Green makes sense as a name for the Jaguars to do more homework on.

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Hill-Green has certainly seen a thing or two in his college career. He spent his first two seasons with the Michigan Wolverines and in 2021 he recorded 50 tackles and two tackles for loss. He missed the 2022 season due to injury and then transferred to Charlotte for the 2023 season, being named third-team All-American Athletic Conference after 73 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and two sacks.

In 2024, Hill-Green was a teammate of Jaguars cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter and defensive end B.J. Green at Colorado. He had his best season then, recording 82 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions.

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Last year saw Hill-Green join the linebacker rotation at Alabama, giving him his first chance to play in the SEC. His age will likely make him a late-round pick, but the fact he battled back from injuries and has played key roles for multiple programs is worth investing in.

The Jaguars might not be looking for a starting linebacker in the draft -- they could just be looking for depth, and Hill-Green would give them that.

This article first appeared on Jacksonville Jaguars on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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