2026 NFL Draft Profile: Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter

Height: 6’3-1/2” | Weight: 318 pounds | Arm Length: 33-1/4” | Hand Size: 9-1/4” | Age: 23 Years Old

40-Yard Dash: 5.18 seconds | Vertical: 21.5” | Broad Jump: 8’4” | Bench Press: N/A

Statistics at UCF and Texas Tech: 52 games played, 37 starts. 172 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble.

Film Room & Highlights

Hart’s Scouting Report

Positives:

• Boasts NFL size, length, and strength who should be able to make a Year 1 contribution in the pros
• Three-year starter with over 1,750 career collegiate snaps
• Above-average pocket push as a pass rusher: 7.5 sacks, 46 hurries, 29 quarterback hits, and 66 pressures in four seasons of play
• One of this draft’s best run stuffers (12% run stop/stuff rate) with a penchant for making plays behind the line of scrimmage
• Missed tackle rate below 9-percent which is one of the better marks for defensive lineman in this draft
• Does a good job taking on and splitting double teams and also does well shooting gaps when tasked
• Dominant Senior Bowl effort showed his ability to take on top prospects 1-on-1

Negatives:

• Like Orange, overreliance on his bull rush appeared on tape; needs to add some variety to his arsenal of moves
• Doesn’t have a great initial first step and get-off at the line of scrimmage
• Needs to do a better job of keeping the pads and center of gravity low when taking on double teams
• Opted not to do any agility testing in the pre-draft process; a little bit stiff on tape moving laterally, but his long arms and wingspan help him make plays on the outside

Hart’s Projection: Top 64 Selection — Second Round Pick

Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Hunter

As I authored in my report on Orange, it’s unlikely that the Broncos would utilize their top selection in this year’s draft on a defensive lineman. However, the contract status and age of D.J. Jones, coupled with several other factors may result in Denver trying to find additional reinforcements to the trenches.

Hunter’s tape shows an NFL ready player who can be disruptive in a rotation as a rookie. He has more pass rush potential than Orange and is just as strong of a run defender. NFL teams are always on the lookout for players with that skillset and he has the dominant physical traits to match.

I have Hunter ranked above Orange slightly due to his better pass rushing ability and tremendous collegiate production. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is off the board in the Top 50, but if available at 62 when the Broncos are scheduled to be on the clock, he is a player they should strongly consider if available.

Denver certainly has bigger needs. However, long-term, finding a true difference maker who can shut down the run and get after the quarterback is a question the Broncos’ brass will eventually have to find an answer for. I think Hunter has a chance to be that prospect and would be a tremendous addition to their defensive front.