Unpacking Future Packers: No. 13, Texas Tech DT Lee Hunter

*The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100* *prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.* The Green Bay Packers addressed the most pressing roster need when they signed Javon Hargrave to a two-year deal. The addition of the veteran defensive tackle bolsters the interior of the defensive line. Even with Hargave in the fold, there is still work to be done to improve that position group. A potential target with the 52nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is Lee Hunter. The Texas defensive tackle checks in at No. 13 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

Spoiler: Lee Hunter is going to be very high on the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

Adding him to the spine of Green Bay’s defense would transform their run defense. pic.twitter.com/cCIFNP2v4f

— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen\_Rupp) December 10, 2025 A four-star recruit and Alabama native, Hunter started his collegiate career at Auburn before transferring to the University of Central Florida for the 2022 season. During his first season at UCF, Hunter recorded one sack. The following season he recorded 69 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and three sacks. In 2024, Hunter recorded 45 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and one sack. Hunter transferred to Texas Tech for the 2025 season and played a vital role in the Red Raiders having one of the top rushing defenses in the nation. He recorded 42 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and three sacks. "Lee Hunter was one of Texas Tech's big fish pick-ups in the transfer portal and he delivered on expectations," Jarrett Ramirez, the lead writer for RedRaiderSports.com, said. "He quickly became a fan favorite because of his play on the field, combined with an infectious personality. Hunter can dominate his opponents and he will let them know it. Hunter is one of the first big-time defensive linemen on the interior to be at Texas Tech in a long time." At 6-3, 314 pounds, Hunter has the natural girth to clog up running lanes. The Texas Tech defensive tackle is able to root in against double teams. He can reset the line of scrimmage with his power. He's not just a roadblock though, he's an active interior presence. He has good initial burst and plays with good knee bend. During his final three seasons, he recorded 31.5 tackles for loss and 86 stops. The UCF transfer has strong hands to work off blockers and get them on the ball carrier. Lee Hunter was one of six prospects I highlighted for Packers fans to watch in this week's edition of Scouting Saturday.

The Texas Tech DT has the girth to clog up running lanes. During his final two seasons at UCF, he recorded 61 run stops and 20.5 tackles for loss. #Activepic.twitter.com/sKoGNe77bl

— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen\_Rupp) November 8, 2025 "Hunter plays with violent hands and an intense motor," Ramirez said. "Because of his frame, he could essentially just lean on interior offensive linemen. He drew double teams regularly and sometimes fought through them." As a pass rusher, Hunter is able to create movement due to his initial surge. He has a powerful bull rush and is capable of caving in the pocket. During his final three seasons, he recorded seven sacks and 75 pressures. "I actually think Hunter was at his best when he was rushing the passer," Ramirez said. "Hunter's motor is something that immediately jumped off the page to me when watching his tape from UCF. Because of his violent hands, Hunter could frequently impact the pocket and force passers to go elsewhere."

Fit with the Packers

Hunter could be the space-eating defensive tackle that the Packers desperately need. He was part of a talented Texas Tech defense and played a vital role in the Red Raiders having the No. 1 rushing defense in college football last season. His game is predicated on power and a relentless motor. Adding him to the spine of the defense could help turn Green Bay's defense from good to great. He has the ability to shut down running lanes and keep Edgerrin Cooper clean, while also providing a little spark to the the interior pass rush. The athletic testing numbers may not be 'great', but flip on the film and you see the type of player that this defense needs. If Hunter is still on the board when the Packers are on the clock with the 52nd overall pick, it may be difficult to pass up his skill set. "Hunter plays one of the most pivotal positions on the field and can immediately come in and impact a roster," Ramirez said. "When Texas Tech assembled its litany of defensive line talent in December of 2024, Hunter was viewed as the cornerstone piece of the entire haul. They equated it to a "What would the Philadelphia Eagles do?" kind of approach. It worked. Hunter has a swagger about him that he can back up on the field. After a dominant season and an equally great week at the Senior Bowl, I could see Hunter being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft." *This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 13, Texas Tech DT Lee Hunter*