In 2025, the 49ers used three draft picks to fortify the unit, selecting Mykel Williams in the first round and adding Alfred Collins and CJ West on Day 2 and Day 3. Now, Jeremiah has San Francisco doubling down in the trenches.
With the No. 27 overall pick, Jeremiah projects the 49ers to select former Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter.
"Hunter can hold the point against the run, and he showed flashes of his upside as a pass rusher at the Senior Bowl," Jeremiah wrote. "Recent Super Bowl winners have featured waves of defensive linemen they can rotate. Hunter joins 2025 draft picks Alfred Collins and CJ West to form a talented young trio on the interior."
Hunter spent three seasons at UCF before transferring to Texas Tech for his final year. Over his collegiate career, he recorded 172 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, one pass defensed, and a forced fumble.
At 6-foot-4 and 321 pounds, Hunter has the prototypical size to anchor the middle of an NFL defensive front. According to Pro Football Focus, he posted career-best marks in 2025, including an 80.9 overall defensive grade, an 84.5 run-defense grade, and a 72.1 pass-rush grade.
NFL Media analyst Lance Zierlein offered a detailed evaluation in his draft profile:
"Hunter is a two-gapping nose tackle for odd or even fronts," Zierlein wrote. "He has the size, strength, and length to do battle in the heart of the trenches, but requires better block take-on technique to sit firmer in his grass. He won't win in the gaps, but he can stack and shed single blocks or slide and stabilize his run fit against zone blocks.
"Hunter's girth and length are advantages when aligning over the center as a run defender. He doesn't have enough quickness or skill as a rusher to see many passing downs, but he can dent the pocket with his power. Hunter projects as an early down space-eater who can make interior offensive linemen work for their gaps."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers add protection for Brock Purdy in 3-round 2027 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers could go in several directions in the 2027 NFL Draft, but one analyst believes the team could prioritize protecting quarterback Brock Purdy. San Francisco has generally refrained from investing significant draft capital in offensive linemen, but that... -
49ers' Brant Boyer nominated for 2026 Salute to Service Award
The NFL and USAA have announced the 2026 nominees for the Salute to Service Award, honoring those who go above and beyond in supporting the military and veteran communities. Special teams coordinator Brant Boyer has been named the San Francisco 49ers' nominee for this year's... -
Kyle Shanahan identifies what DeForest Buckner can bring to the 49ers' young defensive line
The San Francisco 49ers didn't bring DeForest Buckner back just to add another talented defensive lineman to their roster. They also brought back a player who understands what it takes to succeed in Kyle Shanahan's system and has the experience to help develop some of the... -
49ers should resist trade temptation and save draft picks for long-term impact
The San Francisco 49ers' trade for Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner made a lot of sense, especially for only a 4th-round pick. Buckner is a star who can add to the pass rush and is stout against the run. He can also impart a lot of knowledge and help young...