Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo – 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Kareem Hunt doesn’t get the hype of Leonard Fournette or Christian McCaffrey but he has all the tools to be just as successful…
The 2017 NFL Draft is loaded with hidden gems across the board. The running back class may feature more of those players in the later rounds than any other position. Kareem Hunt doesn’t get the hype of Leonard Fournette or Christian McCaffrey but he has all the tools to be just as successful. The former Rockets running back could turn out to be a steal in the middle rounds.
Name: Kareem Hunt
Position: RB
Height: 5’10
Weight: 216
School: Toledo Rockets
2016 Season Stats: 1,475 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns; 41 receptions, 408 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown.
Strengths
Kareem Hunt is a running back that has a strong foundation in his lower body. His ability as a power runner floods his highlight tape. To be short, he doesn’t take lightly to defenders and their intentions. He surprisingly has really nice feet given his stockiness and build. Hunt is one of the few backs in this class that can find a hole anywhere along the line and has enough burst to get there as well.
While he doesn’t possess elite speed, Hunt has excellent down field vision once he gets past the first level. He knows how to setup his blocks and keeps defenders on their toes if he hasn’t chosen to run right through them. If you’re looking for a back who can create his own plays then this is your guy, he has the mold of a player who will be in the league for years to come.
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Weaknesses
Hunt’s lack of elite speed will leave you wanting more at times. His shiftiness and great vision sometimes go to waste because of his inability to separate. As with any player who relies heavily on their lateral movement, Hunt can make one too many moves before deciding to put his head down and earn the yardage. He has had inconsistent weight throughout the draft process. He played at 225 during college, showed up at 208 for the Senior Bowl and was at 216 for the combine. Trying to place him in a system is difficult if you don’t know which guy you’re getting.
Outlook
Hunt has starting potential but may be a guy best used for short yardage situations. It’ll be interesting to see where he weighs in at as that could determine is usage. The fact that he lacks downfield burst will hurt his chances of being “the guy” as coaches will see lost yardage on open run plays. Hunt can be a guy who has a long future in the league and somebody who can excel in a running back by committee system.