Name: RB Kendall Hunter
School: Oklahoma State
Size: 5'7, 199 lbs
Expected Round: 2nd-3rd
40 Time: 4.52s
Career Stats: Click Here.
Player Previews: CBS; Walter Football; NFL Combine [If you would like your website included, please e-mail me!]
Strengths: Versatile player who can run between the tackles, run to the outside, catch the ball and chip block on opposing blitzers. Plays well against high levels of competition and succeeded against the top ranked teams in the nation. He has quickness to get to the outside and can make yardage when there's no daylight. He's an explosive runner who is able to quickly change direction in a one-cut-and-go motion. Can leave opposing tacklers grabbing air.
Weaknesses: Quick, not fast, which means that he won't be a home run hitter every game. He's a little on the small side, so he may get bit by the injury bug in the professionals. Must bulk up to be an every down player and could be only a third down player at the next level.
Why and Why Not the Patriots after the jump, and my final verdict!
Why the Patriots?: Hunter is an explosive runner who could provide a solid complement to BenJarvus Green-Ellis in the backfield. His ceiling is a feature back, which means that BJGE could resume his #2 RB role, where I believe he is better fit. Hunter is a second or third round pick, which means that he could be drafted at a reasonable value. The Patriots are obvious when they put their personnel on the field (ie: if BJGE is on the field, he's not pass blocking so it's a run play), so a "do-everything" runner in the backfield would make the offense even more dangerous.
Why Not the Patriots?: Hunter could also just be another Kevin Faulk or Danny Woodhead- which is great if the Patriots needed another one. However, I don't think they would want another player to be a single down player. While Hunter can catch, so can Woodhead. While Hunter can block, so can Woodhead. Hunter is a stronger runner, but Woodhead does a fine job- and Woodhead didn't cost a draft pick.
Verdict: While I like Hunter as an NFL prospect, I don't see him coming to the Patriots. He's too similar to a couple players on the roster, which means that he's not really worth a draft pick for the team. Hunter may be a valuable player for another franchise, but I don't see him coming to the Patriots.
Courtesy of Aaron Aloysius