With the No. 53-overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals selected SMU Mustangs defensive end Margus Hunt. Hunt is the No. 53-rated player in the draft rankings from SB Nation's Dan Kadar and the 7th-rated defensive end.
NFL Draft results 2013: Margus Hunt selected by Bengals with No. 53 pick
The Cincinnati Bengals bolstered their defense in the second round.
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More on Margus Hunt
Hunt stands at 6'8 and weighs 277 pounds, which sets the impressive framework for his performance in the combine's various physical tests. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.60 seconds and sprung for 38 inches in the vertical jump. He benched 225 pounds 38 times. A raw player, Hunt is unlikely to be an instant addition to the Bengals’ starting defensive line, but he has the athleticism to bloom into a dominant player for the team.
With Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunlap, finding a new starting defensive end isn't exactly a top priority for the Bengals, but a developmental player like Bengals was seen as a worthwhile investment for the playoff-level team.
In a prospect profile on SB Nation, the following was listed as a positive for Hunt:
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.
Combine results
Height: 6’8
Weight: 277 lbs.
Hand size: 10 inches
40-yard dash: 4.60 seconds
Vertical jump: 34.5 inches
Hunt is nothing short of a freak of nature who can really play. Most human beings aren’t 6’8’, pushing 280 pounds and fast, but Hunt isn’t normal after all. In 2012, Hunt showed what he can do for SMU, amassing eight sacks, including two at the Hawaii Bowl against the Fresno State Bulldogs.
With Hunt, it’s more about potential than anything else. If the right coaches have the opportunity to mold him, many NFL people believe he’ll be a star.
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