He could be a third-round target for the Cardinals if they don’t select an offensive lineman in the first round.
The Arizona Cardinals have done a lot of predraft research and visiting with offensive line prospects. Most of the attention has been on the top four prospects who might be a possibility for them to select with the eight overall pick, but they have met with others who might not go early in the draft.
The latest is Louisiana-Lafayette’s Robert Hunt.
According to Draft Wire’s Justin Melo, the coronavirus pandemic kept him from having a private workout with the Cardinals, but since then he has had a FaceTime meeting with them.
Hunt is largely considered a Day 2 prospect but many feel he could be a great guard. He is a large individual at 6-5 and 323 pounds. He had an arrest in college and played at a small school, which probably pushes him to the third round of the draft. The Cardinals could target him in the third round if they don’t select an offensive lineman in the first round.
First a formal at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, now a pre-draft video interview with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Kansas City Chiefs are continuing to show pre-draft interest in Louisiana-Lafayette offensive lineman Robert Hunt.
Hunt was one of the few offensive linemen that the Chiefs had a formal interview with at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Kansas City has since shown more interest by the way of a pre-draft video meeting. According to Draft Wire’s interviewer extraordinaire Justin Melo, Hunt has recently held pre-draft FaceTime sessions with 13 teams, including the Chiefs.
This, of course, is significant for Kansas City as they’re one of the few teams that don’t feign interest with these pre-draft interviews. They use them to gain as much information as possible about the players they’re most interested in.
Hunt is largely viewed as one of the top interior offensive linemen in this draft class. He is versatile, with experience playing both left guard and right tackle for Louisiana-Lafayette, starting a total of 45 games over four years. And at 6-5 and 323 pounds, he has the size to find success playing at either position in the NFL. Where he’ll end up playing at the next level really depends on the team. In Kansas City, I think he could start right away at the right guard spot and perhaps play tackle in case of injury.
For his size, Hunt moves very smoothly. His feet and hands are active in pass protection. He creates movement in the run game against defenders in the Sun Belt conference, but I suspect he’ll need to add more strength for the NFL game. He also plays with a bit of a nasty streak, looking to finish his blocks and play through the whistle.
Hunt suffered a sports hernia in his final season with the Ragin’ Cajuns, but he continues to work back from that injury. That doesn’t seem to be scaring teams away though as interest remains as strong as ever.
The Draft Wire released their latest seven-round mock draft, and the Houston Texans use a couple picks to address their offensive line.
The NFL Draft kicks off April 23, and the mock drafts are flying all over the place.
The Draft Wire released their latest seven-round mock draft and author Luke Easterling kept it straight for the Texans by using all seven of their picks on players, not pulling any tricks out of the “Trader Bill” playbook. Here is who the Texans ended up selecting:
250. Houston Texans | James Robinson | RB | Illinois State
Easterling had the Texans addressing their offensive line and interior defensive line with their third through fifth round selections. If the Texans wait until the seventh round to bolster their pass rush, then they could be in as bad of shape as they were in 2019 when they finished tied with the Cincinnati Bengals for sixth-fewest sacks with 31.
Arizona ends up with two extra third-round picks after trading down and landing one of the top corners in the draft.
Another week gone by means another look at simulating the NFL draft for the Arizona Cardinals. Last week, there was a trade scenario in the first round, moving down and picking up a second-round pick. In this new seven-round mock draft simulation, the Cardinals move down from the eighth overall pick to the 15th overall pick, swapping with the Denver Broncos and picking up two third-round selections in the deal.
How does the draft play out for the Cardinals after that?
Round 1, pick 15: Florida CB CJ Henderson
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
All top four tackles were off the board, as were receivers CeeDee Lamb and Henry Ruggs. Defensive linemen Derrick Brown and Javon Kinlaw were also already drafted. Here the Cardinals land one of the most talented cornerbacks in the draft. It isn’t a 2020 need but with Robert Alford coming off a broken leg, it creates potential competition and Henderson would line up as the starter in 2021.
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Louisiana offensive line prospect Robert Hunt
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.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
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.
With some additions made to the defensive side of the ball, the Indianapolis Colts are likely looking at some offensive pieces in the upcoming 2020 NFL draft.
With needs at wide receiver, tight end and depth along the offensive line, there is a chance that the Colts take advantage of some of these positions with some of their Day 2 picks.
In the latest three-round mock draft from Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports, that’s exactly what the Colts did. Here’s a look at what the haul was:
34. Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State
“After trading their first-rounder for DeForest Buckner, the Colts circle back at the top of the second round to get one of the most explosive wideouts in this draft. Aiyuk is a four-down player who is only going to get better with experience.” – Ryan Wilson
Aiyuk would be a great fit for the Colts offense. He could work both in the slot and on the outside while giving them an explosive and vertical threat for Philip Rivers. There are concerns about beating press coverage, but the Colts could use his skill set from Day 1.
44. Robert Hunt | OL | Louisiana-Lafayette
“The Colts offense is strong up front, but the depth behind the starting unit is suspect. That’s where Hunt comes in.” – Ryan Wilson
The Colts have their starting five on the front line, but depth is needed. Hunt has areas to develop and it isn’t clear where he would primarily work in terms of on the edge or the interior, but there are plenty of traits to intrigue the Colts.
75. Cole Kmet | TE | Notre Dame
“The Colts said goodbye to Eric Ebron, but they’ll have options to fill that void on Day 2 or possibly later. Here, they pick up arguably the top tight end in the class.” – Ryan Wilson
Kmet has the size and speed to be a mismatch for the Colts. He can work best as a receiving tight end while his blocking develops—hopefully with some help from Jack Doyle. The Colts love to use tight ends and there is a chance they look to invest in the position on Day 2, though most would likely expect Chris Ballard to wait.
According to The Draft Wire, the Bills had a formal meeting with Hunt at the recent scouting combine. While meeting him there, Hunt reportedly had not yet scheduled a pre-draft workout with the Bills yet.
The Bills met with a 2020 NFL Draft prospect who was previously compared to one of their own players in Louisiana-Lafayette offensive lineman Robert Hunt.
According to The Draft Wire, the Bills had a formal meeting with Hunt at the recent scouting combine. While meeting him there, Hunt reportedly had not yet scheduled a pre-draft workout with the Bills.
The 6-foot-5, 323-pound offensive lineman was a tackle in college, but lined up in both positions during his career. In the NFL, multiple draft analysts project him as a guard instead of a tackle.
Because of this, NFL.com’s Lance Zierliein compared Hunt to Buffalo’s Cody Ford. Here’s his comparison:
Like Cody Ford in last year’s draft, Hunt is a plus athlete with a big man’s frame who could be considered at guard or tackle. Inconsistent footwork and pad level are the primary culprits when he fails to win the rep, but there aren’t any physical limitations that should prevent him from improving in both areas. Pass protection traits are present but getting the skill level up to par is going to take time. He’s a little raw but has the necessary talent to become a solid future starter at right tackle.
While the Bills are returning all five of their starters on their offensive line, including Ford, bringing in youthful depth to try and develop is never a bad thing. Along with his versatility, the Bills will likely covet that fact he’s a senior as well. Since Sean McDermott’s arrival, the Bills have preferred many of their draft picks to be upperclassmen.
Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Louisiana-Lafayette offensive line prospect Robert Hunt
Robert Hunt | OL | Louisiana-Lafayette
Elevator Pitch
Whether you project him as a tackle or a guard, Hunt is a dancing bear of an offensive line prospect who has the raw play strength and the mobility to be a quality NFL starter. He’s a bit raw from a technical standpoint, but if he can clean up his game a bit, he has a high ceiling in the pros.
He possesses very good height and overall length, and he has a well-proportioned frame with plenty of raw strength packed into it. His powerful upper body allows him to redirect defenders and seal off lanes as a run blocker with ease, and he has good recovery strength in his anchor. Hunt blocks with a high motor and has shown the willingness to pound a defender into the dirt. He packs a powerful punch at the point of attack and is able to easily latch onto his opponents with formidable grip strength.
Hunt is also an impressive athlete for his size, as the nimbleness and overall agility he shows in his footwork is certainly apparent on film. He changes direction well in pass protection and has the athletic ability to climb to the second level with good acceleration and body control. As a four-year collegiate starter who has experience at both tackle positions and as a guard, he should be able to hold plenty of value early in his career through his versatility.
Weaknesses
While Hunt has the physical tools to be successful, he’s still a work in progress. His hand placement can stand to be more consistent, as while he has been dominant when he places his strikes well, he ends up misplacing them too often. He is also prone to leaving himself susceptible to letting defenders into his frame, making it tougher for him to gain leverage.
Hunt’s pad level could use some improvement, too. He tends to struggle with staying low and sinking his hips into contact. His ability to adjust his set points and make sure he doesn’t overset can be improved. As a pass protector, his footwork can fall apart at times, and while he got away with it in college due to his raw athleticism, polished edge rushers in the NFL will take advantage of it to knock him off balance. He is also coming off of a groin injury that ended his 2019 season and forced him to miss both the Senior Bowl and the Combine.
The Titans’ pre-draft visit with OT Robert Hunt was cancelled because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The COVID-19 outbreak has practically brought the sports world to a halt, and its impact has extended to the process of pre-draft visits.
Louisiana-Lafayette offensive tackle Robert Hunt is on the radar of several NFL teams, as he went through formal interviews at the combine with the Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, New York Giants, Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
But concerns surrounding the coronavirus have affected his visits with the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans.
How this issue gets resolved remains to be seen until the spreading of the virus is under control.
The 6-foot-5, 323-pound lineman started all 13 games at left guard as a redshirt freshman, and split time between left guard and left tackle in the next season.
He played right tackle in all 14 contests in 2018, and was voted to second-team all-conference.
Hunt only played in seven games of his senior season, struggling with a groin injury, but still earned first-team All-SBC honors for his performance at right tackle.
As the Titans look to strengthen the depth behind their starting offensive line and right tackle Dennis Kelly, Hunt could be an option for them in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Louisiana-Lafayette offensive lineman Robert Hunt met with the Broncos at the NFL combine last week.
The Denver Broncos interviewed Louisiana-Lafayette offensive lineman Robert Hunt at the NFL combine last week, according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis.
Hunt (6-5, 323 pounds) is a do-it-all offensive lineman who has spent time at left tackle, guard and right tackle. His versatility could make him an intriguing prospect for Denver.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has compared Hunt to Cody Ford, who was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2019 draft.
“Like Cody Ford in last year’s draft, Hunt is a plus athlete with a big man’s frame who could be considered at guard or tackle,” Zierlein wrote.
Hunt is the 11th-best offensive tackle in this year’s class, according to Luke Easterling’s 2020 NFL draft big board for Draft Wire.
Hunt is projected to be a second- or third-round pick in April’s draft, according to Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com.
