His nickname is "The Fridge". Lee Hunter may not be the size of the original "Fridge", former Chicago Bears defensive tackle William Perry, but Hunter is a big man. The Texas Tech defensive tackle is 6'4", 330 pounds.
Hunter was a four star prospect coming out of high school in Mobile, Alabama. He was All State as a senior and the seventh ranked DT in the nation. He chose Auburn but after a redshirt season in 2021 where he didn't see the field, Hunter transferred to the University of Central Florida.
He played three seasons for UCF and earned All Big 12 honors in 2023 and 2024. According to Pro Football Focus, over his last two years at UCF, Hunter led all FBS interior defenders in run stops and tackles for loss or no gain. He transferred to Texas Tech following the 2024 season.
Last year with the Red Raiders, Hunter started every game at nose guard. He had 41 tackles, 10.5 for loss and two and a half sacks. Hunter was a key piece as the Red Raiders led the nation in run defense. He earned All American honors for his efforts.
Hunter was part of Tech's first ever Big 12 title and College Football Playoff berth. He ended up receiving invitations to the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. Hunter earned a Bachelor's degree from Central Florida in General Studies.
Joe Marino provides draft analysis for WGR. His website is thejoemarino.com and you can subscribe to his Locked On Bills Podcast. Joe shares his thoughts on Hunter.
Positives:
Big, powerful dude with the size and strength to own his gaps. He's got a good bull rush and ability to collapse the depth of the pocket. Good change of direction, good lateral movement skills for his size profile. I think he plays with good control and balance, which is important for being able to stay anchored and not let blocks take control of you.
Negatives:
I think the rush profile here is really underwhelming. I don't see an explosive play explosive player. I think he's more size and power than technique. That'll be something to be mindful of and certainly as a guy that was at UCF and then went to Texas Tech, I felt like he had the opportunity to just be bigger and stronger. I think there's a technical side that's going to be required for him to have an impact at the next level. I think he's truly an early down space eater, and that type of profile lacks value to me.
The NFL Draft will be held April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
If the Bills want to add at defensive tackle, there are a number of good prospects in this month's draft.
If the Bills want to add at defensive tackle, there are a number of good prospects in this month's draft.
