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It’s become a bit of a meme by this point, but the Broncos could use an infusion of talent across parts of their offensive line.
Outside of Dalton Risner, fans are dealing with a lot of unknowns. There are questions about Garett Bolles and Ja’Wuan James heading into 2020, and Mike Munchak could have two new starters at center and right guard.
One way they could potentially solve that last issue for the foreseeable future is to pick up Louisiana-Layfayette’s Robert Hunt. I’ve long had questions about how this coaching staff planned to overhaul the offensive line. The Broncos’ reported happiness with Elijah Wilkinson and a formal interview with Hunt provide some hints about their plan for right guard - the Broncos want a big body.
Scouting Report:
- Very good athletic ability for a guard, with the size and movement skills you hope for.
- 33.5-inch arms.
- He takes joy in punishing defenders with brawler mentality.
- Very good play strength, he’s a wall of pain.
- With a little work he’s could be an exceptional short yardage pile mover.
- Underrated mobility for a man his size shows on second level.
- With some technical work he could be a solid option on pulls.
- Better going around him than trying to work through him.
- His aggressiveness can get the better of him, coach will want to harness that in the league.
- Will need to refine hand placement to maximize his advantages.
- Did not pass protect very often in college, this will be an adjustment at the next level.
- Almost definitely a guard at the next level, playing with a lot of space in passing game would be problematic against NFL competition.
- 2017 incident brings questions.
- 2019 season ended with groin injury.
What I’ve heard/read:
NFL Draft & Combine Profile - Robert Hunt | NFL.com
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.
Robert Hunt IOL Louisiana - Draft Player Profile | The Draft Network - Joe Marino
A four-year starter in college, Robert Hunt has experience at both guard and tackle but projects best to a role on the inside in the NFL. Hunt is a massive man with impressive power that he complements with excellent mobility relative to his size. He plays with an edge and nasty demeanor to set the tone up front. It will be critical for Hunt to reach his ceiling to develop better timing and placement with his punch in addition to improving his footwork in pass protection. Hunt projects as a scheme-diverse starter but he will likely take some time to develop.
Robert Hunt IOL Louisiana - Draft Player Profile | The Draft Network - Kyle Crabbs
Robert Hunt projects as an interior OL at the NFL level despite his experience playing at tackle at Louisiana. Hunt brings terrific power, tenacity and mobility when projected inside — and he’ll be much more protected from some of the foot speed and mobility issues that limited him at times as an offensive tackle. Hunt may need an incubation period to adjust to a role working on the interior at the NFL level but this is a player with starter potential and bruising power to set the tone up front.
Matt Miller’s Scouting Notebook: Top Needs for Every NFL Team Before Free Agency | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights
Louisiana-Lafayette guard Robert Hunt is a violent player on the interior offensive line and a master in the run game. A sports hernia surgery has limited his predraft workouts, but Hunt remains one of the best of the interior offensive line class. His recovery timeline will play a huge part in where he’s selected in the draft, but the expectation now is the middle rounds.
Hunt has all the size and power to be a future pro bowl guard. If he can play a little more under control, he can step on an NFL field tomorrow
Why he fits
One of the more underrated changes the Broncos went through under Vic Fangio is how their blocking scheme was overhauled. In 2018 there was a heavy use of zone concepts such as inside zone, outside zone, and DUO, but once Munchak came in there was a heavy dose of gap concepts added to the mix.
What that means going forward is that power at the point of attack and the ability to knock a defender out of a hole is going to be prioritized. Hunt pairs that kind of upside with an aggressive demeanor that coaches want to set the tone. He’s the kind of player that will knock you down, bury you in the dirt, and leave you to pick up the pieces.
Final Thoughts
Word has been that the Broncos are content with Elijah Wilkinson at right guard. Munchak’s resume speaks for itself, so I’m not about to question that, but if the opportunity presents itself where Elway can bring someone like Hunt into the building, then I’m all for it.