FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter.
2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Lee Hunter
Lee Hunter (DL – Texas Tech)
6-foot-4 | 330 Pounds
Background
Originally attended Central Florida, where he redshirted before rotating in for over 200 snaps the following year (17-1.0-1.0). Stepped into a starting role there the following year, with a massive 69-11.0-3.0 line in 2023 and an 36-8.5-1.0 line in 2024. Transferred to Texas Tech, then went 41-10.5-2.5 this past year.
Positives
Productive three-year starter across two programs. Massive nose tackle whos’ capable of ling up as both the zero technique and the one technique. Fires out relatively low with a solid pad level for a taller tackle. Shows above-average quickness out of his stance and on the move for a player with his size, which, combined with above-average instincts/recognition skills, have allowed him to make a lot of plays in opposing backfields compared to your typical nose tackle. Has a lot of power in his hands to jolt opposing linemen on contact and control the interaction. Active and quick with his hands to prevent opponents from getting into his chest straps, and block-shedding technique is good. Works hard to pursue in the run game. When in position to make a tackle, length and (relatively) above-average agility give him a solid radius. The team let him stay on the field on passing downs, where he can command double-teams; snap counts have also been very high for a player with his size. Able to grind down some blockers with his bull rush when he gets his legs churning. Shows good awareness/lateral movement skills to loop around and find open rushing lanes.
Negatives
A bit on the tall side for a nose tackle, and his pad level tends to rise as the play goes on. Temperamentally, seems a bit more active than you’d expect, and can occasionally work his way out of position instead of holding the point of attack. Not quite the dominant bull-rusher you’d expect given his size; tends to generate most of his pressure with quickness and hand usage instead of collapsing the pocket. Doesn’t have the most advanced set of counters and can get stuck on some blocks when his initial move is unsuccessful.
Summary
A massive, highly productive three-year starter at nose tackle with impressive quickness, hand usage, and power, traits which have allowed him to be more disruptive than usual for a player with his frame. On tape, looks like he could get some second-round looks, but big-bodied nose tackles are a relatively deep group in this class, and it wouldn’t be surprising if some teams decided to hold off and take advantage of that depth. Could play the zero, but might be best as a one-technique on a four-man line given his aggressive style of play.
Projection: Round 2/Round 3
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