When the Cincinnati Bengals selected Defensive End Margus Hunt in the 2013 NFL draft out of Southern Methodist University, they were doing based upon his athletic potential. At 277 pounds, he ran a 4.62 and benched 38 reps at the combine. As fantastic as those were, it demonstrates a very limited approach to an analytical profile. It does however suggest that he has a safety net for impact in the league on special teams.
In the measures that correlate with impact at DE, he met the barometer for future success. Despite the label of being a raw prospect, he was challenged more than most DE prospects and had more experience doing it than you would believe from scouting reports alone. He also triggered another major indicator that his best ball is not behind him. That said, one of his indicators suggest he may have a slower start to his career, but he will be around for the long term due to his projected peak. Fortunately, for him, his knack for blocking kicks and impacting special teams are critical for his opportunity to develop as a defensive end.
[…] Defensive End Margus Hunt delivered his first preseason sack for the Cincinnati Bengals. Hunt also had two solo tackles, an assist, and a tackle for loss. With DE Michael Johnson playing the season on a franchise tag, DE Margus Hunt is likely going to be filling the position next year so he needs to develop and be ready by year two. Relatively new to the game of football, he still has a way to go in development; however, the ceiling remains high. […]