2013 NFL Draft: Margus Hunt prospect profile

This prospect profile features a player who hails from the country of Estonia. Estonia has a rich history, including viking and medieval warriors. Margus Hunt is a warrior as welI. The SMU product is tall, strong and fast. His measurables jump off the page, and this is going to help Hunt become a mid-second round selection at the very least. The 49ers certainly need help on the defensive front, and Hunt is one of the more intriguing prospects that could potentially fit the 49ers 3-4 defense. Is he the most polished football player? No. Is he a really strong brute? Yes. I wouldn't want to meet Hunt in a dark alley, put it that way.

Basics:

Height: 6'8
Weight: 277
40 Time: 4.6
Vertical Jump: 34.5 inches
Broad Jump: 10'1"
Shuttle: 4.51 sec
3- Cone Drill: 7.07 sec

Pros:

• Special Teams Star: Blocked 17 field goals in his college career
• Measurables: You don't find 6'8" guys who weigh 277 lbs that can run a 4.6 forty very often.
  
• Pass rush: Hunt is a force to be reckoned with when pursuing the passer. He can use his speed or power to get past the lineman. When he gets past the offensive lineman, it's difficult for the quarterback to escape Hunt's wrath.
• Double teamed: Hunt is double teamed a lot, even triple teamed at times. Usually when you're being double teamed, you must be doing something right. As we've seen with Justin Smith, one player being double teamed usually opens a hole for the outside linebacker (Aldon Smith).
• Endurance: Hunt doesn't appear to wear down during games and is in excellent shape. He just keeps going and going, and going.
• Really strong: Hunt had 38 reps of 225 pounds at the combine.

Cons:

• Run support: Still room for improvement here. Hunt does a mediocre job at containing the edge and this could lead to big plays in the NFL.
• Play recognition: Can be fooled by play action passes, delayed half back draws, and screens to the running back. At times chooses to go after the wrong guy. Must iron this out, but this is teachable.
• Lack of experience: Hunt started playing football in college.
• Age: Hunt will be 26 by the time training camp starts. Some teams may not want to draft a raw player who is one of the oldest in the draft class.

Do Your Homework:

Watch Hunt against TCU and Fresno State (below):

Why He Might Fit The 49ers:

The 49ers have a coaching staff that doesn't mind drafting a raw player. Jim Tomsula and Vic Fangio would be excited for the opportunity to groom a freakish athlete into a freakish athlete that is also a good football player. Justin Smith would also help Hunt's growth. I have no doubt Cowboy would teach Hunt as much as he could. Hunt could also be a fit because the 49ers need depth on the defensive line. He'd provide depth while being eased into the lineup. The Niners front three played way too much last year and were worn down during the stretch. Hunt would be good depth. Ricky Jean Francois may be coveted in free agency at the moment, but he didn't do too well when Justin Smith was injured late in the season. I consider Hunt an upgrade over Francois at defensive end.

Why He Might Not Fit The 49ers:

Baalke and the staff could look at Hunt and not like the fact he's only played football since being in college. They might also not like that he's going to be 26 before the season starts. These are the only two reasons that he wouldn't "fit". The 49ers aren't concerned that he could be a raw player. This regime looks for talent, raw or seasoned.

What They Are Saying:

- NFL.com Writer Bucky Brooks analyzes Hunt:

"As a run defender, Hunt's combination of size and strength makes him immovable at the point of attack. When he plays with proper pad level, Hunt overwhelms blockers with his explosiveness, utilizing superior arm strength to quickly shed and disengage. Additionally, he shows the ability to chase down ball carriers from the backside. Hunt's motor, relentlessness and athleticism make him a threat to take over the game at any time, a trait that will endear him to coaches and scouts across the league."

- Walter Football thinks he could be like Justin Smith:

" Hunt's technique in run defense and executing pass-rushing moves has really improved, but he is still extremely raw. Hunt flashed at times at the Senior Bowl, yet needs some more development for the next level. He could turn into a perfect 3-4 defensive end in the mold of Justin Smith."

- Great article on Hunt By SBNation's Jason Garrison. Hunt learned football by playing Madden.

- Daniel Jeremiah says Hunt was the talk of the town at the combine.

- Check out his stats at cfbstats.com

- Follow Hunt on Twitter: @Margus_Hunt

Conclusion:

The conclusion boils down to the risk/reward factor. The risk is Hunt never develops fully. If he never develops completely, he's still going to have success in the NFL. He's going to be a decent pass rusher at the very least. The reward is Hunt becomes a complete player in all facets. If Hunt is able to become a better run defender and boosts his awareness and play recognition up a notch, he's going to be a really good NFL player. The 49ers probably would have to trade pick 62 and a third round pick to be at a spot in the second round to get Hunt. I do think he is worth the price. I think he's worth the risk/reward. If the 49ers select Hunt, it would be a good move.