cnuball21
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 11,223
- Reaction score
- 9,334
Notice who Zierlein compares Hurst to in his breakdown.
Strengths
Has disruptive initial quickness when ball is snapped. Comes off the ball low and looking to eat in the backfield. Once he gets into the gap, can get skinny and slither through. Too quick for blockers to reach or trap. Motor and movement get him access to the pocket as a rusher. Flurries with his hands like a lightweight boxer. Bats away early punch attempts creating balance advantages. Light feet help him bounce from gap to gap challenging slow-footed linemen. Makes plays well beyond his gap thanks to quickness and plus motor. Quick to punch and disengage against move blocks on outside zone. Effective in twist game.
Weaknesses
Is smallish for interior life. Doesn't have the thick frame that lends itself to adding a lot more functional mass. Big maulers can give him the blues when they square him up. A firm punch will bounce him way out of his rush lane. Has to close the gap on longer, stronger blockers or he gets in trouble. Uses forward lean to create power that upper body is lacking. Goes head-first into initial contact and loses sight of the ball. Sticks to blocks and is slow to shed. Pass rush comes from movement and twists over hand usage and rush counters.
Draft Projection
Rounds 1-2
NFL Comparison
Maliek Collins
Bottom Line
Hurst is an upfield three-technique who gets out of the blocks ahead of his competition as soon as the starter's pistol goes off. His ability to come out fast and low should create opportunities to become a disruptive penetrator, but he has to prove that he has the strength to play through redirect blocks and hold up against NFL interior linemen.
-Lance Zierlein
If that was an accurate comp then Hurst wouldn't be showing up in the 1st round in every mock and big board out there.
The reason why Hurst is a first round prospect, and is a better prospect than Collins, is because he has already shown he can provide value against the pass and run.