Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter has entered the 2026 NFL draft and is projected to be picked in the second or third round. At the 2026 NFL Combine, Hunter measured 6-foot-3.5 in height and 318 lbs in weight. He is from Mobile, Alabama, and has played for different programs in his college football career.
Ahead of the 2026 NFL draft, let’s take a look at his stats, projection and scouting report.
Lee Hunter NFL Draft Profile
Stats
Lee Hunter, a former four-star recruit, committed to play for the Auburn Tigers. He redshirted in his true freshman season in 2021 and subsequently entered the transfer portal, hurling accusations of being treated “like dogs” under head coach Bryan Harsin.
He transferred to the UCF Knights, where he played 13 games in the 2022 season, recording 17 tackles and one sack. In his second year with UCF, he started all 13 games, registering 69 tackles, 11 TFLs with three sacks. He received an honorable mention in All-Big 12 Conference.
In his final season with UCF, he earned Second-team All-Big 12 honors. He was tied with 9.5 TFL as the leader in this statistical category. In 12 games, including 10 starts, he had 45 tackles and one sack.
For the final season, he transferred to the Red Raiders, where he earned Third-team Associated Press All-American and First-team All-Big 12 honors. In 14 starts, he recorded 41 tackles, 11 TFLs with 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.
Projection
Most projections have him going between a late first-round selection to third round. Viewed as a value interior run-stuffer rather than a top-tier pass rusher, Hunter is projected to be picked on Day 2 by NFL analyst Lance Zierlein.
Scouting Report
Lee Hunter is an elite run defender who can hold points of attack well. He can run through blocks and finish tackles. His leverage lies in strength and heavy hands. As far as his role is concerned, he can play nose (0-tech) or 3-tech depending on the scheme. Zierlein noted the following in his scouting report:
“Hunter is a two-gapping nose tackle for odd or even fronts. He has the size, strength and length to do battle in the heart of the trenches but requires better block take-on technique to sit firmer in his grass. He won’t win in the gaps, but he can stack and shed single blocks or slide and stabilize his run fit against zone blocks.
“Hunter’s girth and length are advantages when aligning over the center as a run defender. He doesn’t have enough quickness or skill as a rusher to see many passing downs, but he can dent the pocket with his power. Hunter projects as an early down space-eater who can make interior offensive linemen work for their gaps.”
Zierlein mentioned that while Hunter has size, he doesn’t have a good technique. He is not efficient against down blocks and is limited to early downs and two-gapping schemes. The analyst mentions his doubt on whether the defensive tackle can run down a rusher.
Read More News:
Pittsburgh Steelers 7-Round Mock Draft: Updated Projections for Mike McCarthy and Co
49ers 27th Pick Options: Best Fits for San Francisco in 2026 Draft Ft. Akheem Mesidor
Will A.J. Brown Get Traded? Trade Rumors Face Scrutiny After Dianna Russini Controversy
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
