Folks, it’s officially draft week. On behalf of Mile High Report, I’d like to thank you all for tuning in and coming to us for your coverage. We are in the final countdown with our annual prospect reports with just a few more to go until the 2026 NFL Draft officially kicks off from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this Thursday.
A few days ago, I talked about Iowa State defensive tackle Domonique Orange. For today’s installment, I will shift my thoughts to another prospect who I believe is a good fit for the Broncos along their defensive line. That’s Texas Tech standout Lee Hunter.
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After beginning his career with the Auburn Tigers in 2021 (redshirted), Hunter transferred to UCF where he spent the next three seasons and was an extremely productive player. For his last collegiate season, he became a dominant fixture in the Red Raiders’ defensive front at Texas Tech. He finished his senior season with 41 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
If the Broncos want to add some beef and strength to their defensive front, Hunter is someone they should definitely consider on Day 2. Let’s do a deep dive regarding his strengths and weaknesses, and why and when the Broncos should consider selection him in this year’s draft.
Player Profile: Lee Hunter — Defensive Tackle — Texas Tech
Height: 6’3-1/2” | Weight: 318 pounds | Arm Length: 33-1/4” | Hand Size: 9-1/4” | Age: 23 Years Old
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40-Yard Dash: 5.18 seconds | Vertical: 21.5” | Broad Jump: 8’4” | Bench Press: N/A
Statistics at UCF and Texas Tech: 52 games played, 37 starts. 172 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble.
Film Room & Highlights
Hart’s Scouting Report
Positives:
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Boasts NFL size, length, and strength who should be able to make a Year 1 contribution in the pros
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Three-year starter with over 1,750 career collegiate snaps
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Above-average pocket push as a pass rusher: 7.5 sacks, 46 hurries, 29 quarterback hits, and 66 pressures in four seasons of play
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One of this draft’s best run stuffers (12% run stop/stuff rate) with a penchant for making plays behind the line of scrimmage
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Missed tackle rate below 9-percent which is one of the better marks for defensive lineman in this draft
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Does a good job taking on and splitting double teams and also does well shooting gaps when tasked
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Dominant Senior Bowl effort showed his ability to take on top prospects 1-on-1
Negatives:
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Like Orange, overreliance on his bull rush appeared on tape; needs to add some variety to his arsenal of moves
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Doesn’t have a great initial first step and get-off at the line of scrimmage
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Needs to do a better job of keeping the pads and center of gravity low when taking on double teams
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Opted not to do any agility testing in the pre-draft process; a little bit stiff on tape moving laterally, but his long arms and wingspan help him make plays on the outside
Hart’s Projection: Top 64 Selection — Second Round Pick
Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Hunter
As I authored in my report on Orange, it’s unlikely that the Broncos would utilize their top selection in this year’s draft on a defensive lineman. However, the contract status and age of D.J. Jones, coupled with several other factors may result in Denver trying to find additional reinforcements to the trenches.
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Hunter’s tape shows an NFL ready player who can be disruptive in a rotation as a rookie. He has more pass rush potential than Orange and is just as strong of a run defender. NFL teams are always on the lookout for players with that skillset and he has the dominant physical traits to match.
I have Hunter ranked above Orange slightly due to his better pass rushing ability and tremendous collegiate production. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is off the board in the Top 50, but if available at 62 when the Broncos are scheduled to be on the clock, he is a player they should strongly consider if available.
Denver certainly has bigger needs. However, long-term, finding a true difference maker who can shut down the run and get after the quarterback is a question the Broncos’ brass will eventually have to find an answer for. I think Hunter has a chance to be that prospect and would be a tremendous addition to their defensive front.
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