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In a recent interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio, 2015 NFL Draft prospect Danielle Hunter confirmed he will meet with the Eagles for a pre-draft visit in Philadelphia.
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The 20-year-old Hunter played defensive end for LSU. The measures in at 6-5, 252 pounds. Hunter finished his college career with 142 tackles, 4.5 sacks, eight passes defensed, and two forced fumbles.
Chip Kelly had a chance to see Hunter up close when he visited LSU's pro day last week. The Eagles are clearly interested in the junior pass rusher. Philadelphia doesn't have a desperate need for a new edger rusher but they seem to be doing their homework on the position.
Hunter is projected to be a Day 2 pick by CBS Sports. He's an impressive athlete but he's not exactly polished. Scouting report via NFL.com:
"Strengths - Freakish combination of size, athleticism and explosiveness. Has long arms with jarring power behind his hands. When technique is right, he can stack and overpower tackles at point of attack. Fluid and agile in space. Uses length to bat down passes and disrupt the passing lane. Flashes winning spin move in pass rush, but needs to learn to set it up better. Uses arm-over inside move to set up tackles for loss. High-end tackle production for his position. Secondary motor to pursue and speed to chase leads to more tackle opportunities. Lead all SEC defensive linemen in "stuffs" (tackles for no gain or loss of yards) with 17. Active and energetic at all times. Continues to work to improve position vs. run and pass. Off-field character considered "squeaky clean" by NFL scouts. Has speed and agility to become special-teams star early in his career.
Weaknesses - Relies heavily on his athleticism and motor over skill and instincts. Pass-rush production doesn't match the traits. Played 80 percent of the defensive snaps in 2014, managing just 1.5 sacks. Doesn't have the upfield burst and bend to turn the corner. Considered a "thinker" as a pass rusher rather than a naturally instinctive reactor. Must show he can effectively counter as a pass rusher. Has winning power in hands, but inconsistent with how he uses them against run and pass. Scouts want to see more competitive nastiness from him.
Bottom Line - Hunter isn't as heavy as Jason Pierre-Paul, but he has similar length, explosiveness and potential. The concern with Hunter is that his pass-rush instincts are marginal and he hasn't learned to use his physical advantages to rush the quarterback more consistently. Hunter's floor is high thanks to his overwhelming physical traits and motor, but his ceiling will only go as high as the level of coaching he is able to incorporate."
Complete list of known Eagles draft visits
OLB Danielle Hunter, LSU
WR Rashad Greene, Florida State
OL Terry Poole, San Diego State
WR Jaelen Strong, Arizona State
LB Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State