NFL Draft 2017: Kareem Hunt says “I’m going to keep a chip on my shoulder”
By Matt Conner
Hunt now continues that quest at the NFL Combine, the next step on the long offseason climb to the NFL Draft. Hunt ran his 40-yard dash in 4.62 seconds, but wowed with a 36.5 inch vertical jump — a top five finish in that category. More importantly is the multiple interviews he will have over several days in Indianapolis, as teams get to know him.
The Kansas City Chiefs could take a flier on Hunt in Day 3 or even with an extra third round choice they received as a compensatory pick. The Chiefs were active at this year’s Senior Bowl interviewing prospects, and Hunt would definitely help with depth at the position. Hunt is not the incredibly elusive sort of back that would pair best with a larger back like Spencer Ware, but Ware is also shiftier than your typical power back. Despite their profiles, a depth chart with Hunt and Ware atop it would be much better than what the team had the previous season.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compares Hunt with former Broncos running back Olandis Gary. CBS Sports projects him as a third or fourth round back, positioned between the second and third days of the draft. They also have him ranked within their top 10 running backs at No. 9, but given the depth, teams might be waiting more until that last day and the draft’s final four rounds to pick up their running back prize. As for Hunt, he knows where belongs.
"“I think I fit in right with the best of them, at the top,” says Hunt. “And I’m going to keep competing. That’s what I do, I love to compete. I’m going to show up and be there every day.”"