Getting To Know Our Rookies: Robert Hunt

Round 2 #39 Robert Hunt T Louisiana-Lafayette

Miami Dolphins
Position:	Offensive guard
Personal information
Born:	August 25, 1996 (age 23) Jasper, Texas
Height:	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:	322 lb (146 kg)
Career information
High school:	Burkeville (Burkeville, Texas)
College:	Louisiana
NFL Draft:	2020 / Round: 2 / Pick: 39
Career history
Miami Dolphins (2020–present)
Roster status:	Unsigned draft pick

NFL Draft Profile

Hunt was a four-year starter for the Ragin’ Cajuns after a strong high school career at Burkeville, Texas. He started all 13 games at left guard as a redshirt freshman, and then split time between left guard (nine starts) and left tackle (two starts) the following season. Hunt moved to right tackle for all 14 games in 2018, and Sun Belt coaches considered his play good enough to vote him second-team all-conference. He only started the first seven games of his senior season due to a groin injury but still was named first-team All-SBC for his play at right tackle.

Overview

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.

Strengths

Rare combination of bulk and athleticism
Carries weight on well-proportioned frame easily
Offers two-position experience at both guard and tackle
Ease of movement out of his stance and into it
Plus lateral scoot to make blocks a gap away
Looks to make a point with aggressive first contact
Works to sustain blocks on the second level and even beyond
Physical tools to become plus run blocker in all schemes
Possesses slide quickness to square half-man rushers
Able to recover and redirect rush past the edge
Hands are like clamps once they take root into defender’s frame

Weaknesses

Loses hand technique and placement when trying to mash down-blocks
Footwork is a little raw and undisciplined
Pass sets can turn into gallops with heels close together
Will need to incorporate more flat-footed punch for anchor
Gets caught leaning with nose over toes at times
Hands land high and ride up and off the frame
Can bend but allows pad level to creep up tall during the rep
Instinctive reactions to unexpected moves is below average

TDS Take

Considered by many (including myself) to be a reach, the Dolphins pulled the trigger on Guard Robert Hunt with their first of two picks in the second round. This guy is HUGE and a reflection of a team transitioning back into a physical team with mentally tough players that can hold up against to more physical teams in the NFL.

Robert Hunt fits that makeup as a tough player who refuse to be beat. He went to a smaller school so there are some questions about his ability to play against better competition, something he will face week in and week out in the NFL.

That’s where coaching comes into play and Hunt will have one of the most intense coaches in the League in Brain Flores and if he meet the expectations he will be rewarded down the road.

Welcome to Miami Robert Hunt!