With the NFL Scouting Combine in full swing, the Kansas City Chiefs are making strategic moves, meeting with top prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. Among the intriguing talents is Texas Tech's defensive tackle, Lee Hunter, who recently shared his excitement about potentially joining forces with fellow Red Raider, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, in Kansas City.
Hunter, who is projected as one of the top interior defensive linemen, is on the Chiefs' radar for their 40th overall pick. The Athletic ranks him 36th, making him a viable option for Kansas City, whether they stick with their current picks or make a strategic move.
Background
Hunter's physical attributes are impressive: standing at 6 feet 3 1/2 inches and weighing 318 pounds, with an arm length of 33 1/4 inches. His Combine performance included a 5.18-second 40-yard dash, a 1.79-second 10-yard split, a 21.5-inch vertical leap, and an 8-foot-4 broad jump. While he may not be the flashiest athlete, his college career has certainly turned heads.
After redshirting at Auburn in 2021, Hunter transferred to the University of Central Florida, where he racked up 21.5 tackles for loss over three seasons. His final college season at Texas Tech was stellar, earning him unanimous first-team All-American and All-Big 12 honors.
Film Evaluation
Hunter’s strength is undeniable, making him versatile enough to play from the 3-technique to the zero nose tackle. His powerful base and low center of gravity allow him to dominate interior linemen, pushing them into the backfield with ease.
His quickness off the snap, combined with leverage and drive, enables him to collapse pockets and create opportunities for his teammates. When Hunter drops his hips and extends his arms, his full power shines, often walking guards back and flushing quarterbacks out of their comfort zones.
One of Hunter’s standout abilities is playing with low pads and leveraging his strength, especially in pass-rushing situations. He’s quick to read plays, and when the quarterback holds the ball, Hunter is there, driving into the center and collapsing the pocket.
While he may not rack up sacks, his knack for disrupting plays and moving offensive linemen makes him a valuable asset. His run-stuffing prowess and ability to dominate the line of scrimmage will be crucial in the NFL.
Hunter's size and strength position him as an immediate two-gap run defender. He engages quickly, forcing running backs to rethink their routes, often leading to defensive swarms that shut down plays. His core strength and ability to read and react are major assets.
In critical situations, like a fourth-and-one, Hunter's explosive power shines. He can bulldoze through the line, creating chaos that allows his teammates to capitalize and make crucial stops. While he might not always get the tackle, his presence is often the catalyst for defensive success.
The Bottom Line
While the ninth overall pick might be a stretch for Hunter, if the Chiefs trade back or if he's available at pick 40, he could be a perfect fit. Kansas City needs fresh talent on the defensive line, and Hunter could make an immediate impact as a nose tackle on run downs, potentially evolving into a three-down player with improved stamina.
Pairing a high-level interior player like Hunter with Chris Jones is crucial, especially as Jones ages. Hunter's run defense skills could see him on the field early, while he develops his pass-rushing techniques. The Chiefs have a golden opportunity to bolster their defensive line with a player like Hunter, who brings both strength and potential to the table.