A closer look at Philadelphia’s promising second-year edge defender.
One of my favorite things to do every offseason is to go back and compare my post-draft notes on the Eagles’ rookies with how they actually looked when they got on the field. It’s a fun blend of film study, self-evaluation, and a check on how well certain traits really translate to the NFL. I won’t be writing full scouting reports, as I did that after the draft. This series is more about reflecting on his rookie season. Did the player perform as expected? Did anything surprise me? And what do I think comes next? At the end of each article, I’ll give my updated outlook for that player in the future.
Previously: Quinyon Mitchell / Cooper DeJean
Scouting Jalyx Hunt before the draft was one of the most challenging evaluations I’ve done in recent years. The film was limited and the competition was weak. However, after a year in the NFL we have a lot more to go on. Here was what I said about Jalyx Hunt after watching as much film as I could find!
Well, I tried to find every bit of film I could of Jalyx Hunt. I still don’t have any idea what to make of this pick. I love it and hate it at the same time.
It feels like a massive risk on the potential upside due to his traits when better players were available, but you can’t help but be fascinated by the potential upside. Hunt is one of the most fascinating athletes I’ve watched. He moves differently from other players. He’s a bizarre combination of length, speed, and quickness. But he doesn’t really look like an EDGE at times! He looks like he’s still athletic enough to play safety at times, and watching him drop into coverage is really cool.
I don’t want to come over as too pessimistic, but I think he is a long way away from contributing as a pass rusher. The traits are there, but he needs a lot of work. I don’t think he will contribute as a pass rusher for at least a year, and at 23 years old already, it’s possible that part of his game just doesn’t develop a great deal. But the traits and athleticism are there. The potential is obvious. I would have loved this pick in the 4th round, but the 3rd just feels a little bit risky to me.
However, I think he’s immediately the Eagles’ best EDGE rusher at dropping into coverage, and he will provide the Eagles with more versatility and unpredictability when he lines up in the Eagles’ 5-man front. This is something the Eagles lack on the roster right now. This is a Vic Fangio pick without a doubt, and he feels like a player who has been drafted for a very specific role which I am fascinated to see develop. I bet the coaches...