Scouting notes -- TCU C, Joey Hunt

[Superman]

I first noticed Joey Hunt when watching Jordan Phillips last season. He did a phenomenal job on him, but probably played over his head. Now that I'm watching him more closely, he has some technical issues and physical limitations. Still can play in the NFL, but he'll be more depth and competition than an immediate contributor, IMO.

 

Size: Listed at 6'3", between 289-295 pounds. Slightly undersized for the next level. Well built and framed, but needs to add some bulk and power. That's problematic because he's not a great mover at his current size. Decent arm length. 3/5

 

Athleticism/mobility: Not deficient, but not highly athletic or mobile. Does a good job getting off of double teams and to the second level on LBs. Has a decent lateral slide to pick up rushers/blitzers, but can get beat by quicker defenders or a change of direction. Doesn't finish well on the move. Not a lot of pulling as a center in a ZBS, but I don't think he'd do well at it regardless. 5/10

 

Technique: Inconsistent hand placement. Big 12 refs evidently don't call holding, but he would get hit with a lot of penalties with his grabbiness. Has pretty good balance and plays with leverage. Doesn't overpursue in pass protection, content to let rushers come to him, but doesn't have a strong enough punch to shut them down. Infrequently gets his feet crossed up, but mostly displays good footwork. 6/10

 

Physicality: Quite a wrestler, likes to tangle in single and double blocks, and will go to the whistle . Gets grabby to control his man, and can latch on and not let go. Despite his troublesome hand placement, he can move his man and seal him, especially on run plays. Can get overpowered, can get pushed back at the point of attack and blown off the ball. Lacking in upper body strength and brute power to dominate his man. 6/10

 

Pass blocking: Sets well with good balance and leverage. Not required to move lateral or kick slide often, but does so decently when asked. Doesn't have a lot of reach or range, and inconsistent punch to slow down rushers. Lets rushers get under him too often and can be pushed back into the pocket. More likely to turn his man and usher him past the QB than to completely stop him in pass pro. Good work as a double teamer. 3/5

 

Run blocking: More proficient here, gets off the ball quickly and finds a man to block. Goes well from initial double team to second level, making him an effective wham blocker. Turns and seals well on draws and counters. Gets a little out of control when on the move, comes in with poor hand placement. Active cut blocker, sometimes lunges too early, but usually effective. Like pass blocking, he's better in a double team. 3.5/5

 

Vision/awareness: Sees rushers and late blitzers well. He's not asked to make a lot of protection calls and changes in TCU's offense, but when he does, he seems to get it right. Sometimes got upfield too far on screen passes, but most college linemen have to adjust to the NFL rule. Playing in front of Boykin requires him to stay engaged and find new defenders to block in pass pro. Gets to a man and blocks him the right way on run plays. 4/5

 

Versatility: He's reportedly played some guard and tackle in the past. I haven't seen it, but I don't think he's a good prospect for anything but center in the pros. Can play MBS or ZBS, but needs to get bigger/stronger to really excel in MBS. 2/5

 

Overall: 32.5/55, 59%, late round pick, limited upside, but can be an effective player

 

Scheme fit: Not sure for the Colts. Word is we'll have a new OL coach, and that could bring a scheme change. If not totally zone blocking, at least more than we're used to. In that even, Hunt would be a nice fit at center. TCU gets him to the second level often in the run game, and he does well. His issues are with strength and technique; strength is less of an issue for a center in ZBS, as he's double teaming and then going to a linebacker, but with sloppy hand placement he'll get a lot of holding penalties. These are things he needs to improve on no matter what system he plays in.