The Miami Dolphins drafted guard/tackle Robert Hunt with the No. 39 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft in hopes to fix their offensive line woes from a season ago.
During the pre-draft process, Hunt was invited to the Senior Bowl, but wasn’t able to practice or play due to injury.
That didn’t stop Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy from praising the University of Louisiana at Lafayette product.
“We had him at the Senior Bowl [though he didn’t play in the game or practice because of an injury]. Really high-end player,” Nagy told the Miami Herald. “He will be ready to play right away because he’s so big and strong and physical.
“In terms of this year’s class, if you look at right tackle and guard candidates, he’s the most powerful, nastiest guy in this draft. If you project him just as a guard, there’s a pretty good gap between him and the next guy.”
Robert Hunt sends his regards. pic.twitter.com/KLT4Moo7x3
— Kyle Crabbs (@GrindingTheTape) January 7, 2020
U LA RT Robert Hunt and RG Kevin Dotson are both legit NFL players More than held their own vs SEC comp (MSU) early this year. Dotson can dominate with his upper body and also move, while Hunt is solid in pass pro and possesses mobility, as well. #SnapScout pic.twitter.com/lKqYio2rML
— Chad Reuter (@chad_reuter) December 26, 2019
The Dolphins desperately need to improve their offensive line, as they were the league’s worst in that department last year.
“Talking to the Dolphins guys the last few days, that is one guy they are really excited they got,” Nagy said. “Had he come to Mobile [healthy] and done what he was capable of, his value would have skyrocketed; he would have been in the first round somewhere.
“He’s big, powerful, moves people. In pass protection, he’s a better fit at guard in my opinion. He anchors really well, will be hard to move through in pass protection. And he plays with an edge.”
The Dolphins currently list Hunt as a tackle on their official roster, but his versatility will help him earn playing time in 2020.