By Jay Skurski
Margus Hunt
Position: Defensive end
School: Southern Methodist
Measurements: 6-foot-8, 277 pounds.
40 time: 4.60 seconds. Vertical: 34.5 inches.
225-pound bench press: 38 reps.
2012 stats: 31 catches, 18.5 tackles for loss, 8
sacks, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles
Draft projection: Second-third round
Lowdown: An athletic specimen with a wingspan of 82 inches. … Can chase down quarterbacks with his long strides. … Has superior upper-body strength and powerful hands. … Described as a “Playstation football creation” by CBS Sports’ Bruce Feldman based on his combination of size and strength.
Biggest weakness is inconsistency. Will dominate for five or six snaps, then disappear. … At his height, can lose leverage when he stands up, forcing him to get blown off the ball. … Needs to be better at getting his hands in passing lanes. … Didn’t start playing football until 2009, so he’s a raw prospect. … A force on special teams who blocked 17 kicks during his career. … Versatile player who’s worked in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes.
A native of Estonia, Hunt moved to Dallas not to play football, but to work with SMU track coach Dave Wollman, who has trained 19 Olympians. Here’s the thing, though: SMU doesn’t have a men’s track program. But Hunt, who won gold medals in the shot put and discus at the 2006 World Junior Championships in Beijing, still wanted to train with Wollman. He didn’t take up football until Wollman suggested it. The decision led some in Estonia to call Hunt a “traitor.” … Will be 26 for his rookie season. … Needs to develop counter moves when his bull rush is stopped.
They said it: “He’s a big, impressive kid that I think down the road will be a heck of a player.” – NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock
The Buffalo News is profiling 50 prospects in 50 days leading up to next month's NFL Draft.
tagged
2013 draft | Margus Hunt | Road to the Draft
