Versatility is a huge asset in today’s NFL, especially for teams looking to add depth to their offensive line units.
One of the most versatile offensive line prospects in the 2020 NFL draft class, Louisiana’s Robert Hunt recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience as a four-year starter, how his versatility will help him at the next level, and his current health status as he works his way back from injury.
JM: You were a four-year starter at Louisiana, and you’ve played multiple positions. How does that experience serve you well going forward?
RH: I think it helps me out a lot. I’ve played multiple positions just like you said. That should really increase my value at the next level. I can play both tackle and both guard positions. I can play those four positions with a high level of comfort. I’m confident in my ability to play all four positions. That’s something that should really help me out in the NFL.
JM: Is there one position that you’re more comfortable playing at the next level?
RH: I don’t think so, no. The feedback I’ve received from NFL teams has been all over the place at this point in time. Some teams see me at guard, while others see me at tackle. It doesn’t really matter to me. I’ll play wherever my coach needs me to play. I definitely think I can play tackle in this league. That’s where I’ve played the last few years. I know I can be a great guard as well.
JM: Is there a scheme that you’re used to playing in?
RH: Not really. I can honestly do it all. Whatever plays we have to run, I feel comfortable executing that. I feel good in any scheme.
JM: You’re NFL Scouting Combine participation was a little limited. What was the injury that held you back?
RH: It was because of the sports hernia. It was just a little deal that I had to get through. We’re still rehabbing that right now I wasn’t ready to go at that time.
JM: Where are you at now with the injury?
RH: I’m at about 85% right now (March 12th). I should be 100% healthy in a few weeks time. I’ve already been doing some activities. We’re just checking all the boxes off and taking things day by day.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
RH: It was a great experience. I’ve been dreaming about that moment ever since I was a little kid. It was a good experience for me personally. I got to meet with a lot of coaches. We got to talk ball and make new friends out there. It was a good experience. I had a great time. I enjoyed it.
JM: Did you have a lot of formal or informal interviews?
RH: Yeah, I had a lot of formals. Informally, you know how that goes. You’re just walking around and having quick chats with the teams. That’s basically what an informal is. They just tap you on the shoulder and have a quick word with you. I had a lot of formals. I spent one night going through the informals.
JM: Who are some of the teams that you met with formally?
RH: I met with a bunch of them really. I had formals with the Seahawks, Bengals, Browns, Jets, Giants, Bills and Buccaneers. I had so many of them. Those are the ones that come to mind right now.
JM: Do you have a lot of private visits or workouts coming up, or is everything going down after the pro day?
RH: We’ll see what happens with the pro day. The COVID-19 is throwing things off right now. We’ll see what happens. I was supposed to meet with a lot of teams after the pro day.
JM: Even if they got canceled, who were you supposed to meet with or work out for?
RH: I had some things scheduled with the Jets, Cardinals, Dolphins, Titans, Colts and Texans. We’ll see what happens. We might have to FaceTime or something.
JM: What was the strangest question you were asked at the combine?
RH: I honestly didn’t get asked any weird questions. I’ve heard the stories, but I didn’t get anything that caught me off guard. Nobody really gave me a hard time. I guess I was one of the lucky ones.
JM: How do you handle speed differently from power?
RH: You have to get out of your stance in a hurry with speed. You can’t be late off the ball. Don’t get me wrong, you can’t be late off the ball with power either though. You gotta get on a speed guy quickly and shut it down. With power, it sorta comes to you. You have to anchor and be a strong guy. You gotta get on that speed guy. You have to combat power with power.
JM: Who are some of the best pass rushers you’ve gone up against?
RH: I’ve always felt like my own teammates gave me the biggest challenges. I played against a couple of good ones this past season. Everybody was pretty good. I can’t say that I played against many bad players.
JM: What kind of player is Robert Hunt going to be at the next level?
RH: Robert Hunt is gonna be a Pro Bowl type of player. I’m a guy that can do everything. I’m gonna have longevity and play in this league for a long time. I’m gonna dominate at any position that I’m asked to play.