Justin Hunter Learning From Titans Veterans
By Zach Ragan
Nov 17, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Justin Hunter (11) grabs for a ball punted near the end zone agains the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. The Commodores beat the Volunteers 41-18. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-US Presswire
It’s only been a month since the Tennessee Titans selected former Vols wide receiver Justin Hunter in the second round of the NFL draft, but it’s possibly been the busiest month of the receiver’s life.
Hunter has endured rookie minicamps, weight room sessions and trip to Los Angeles for the NFLPA’s rookie premiere, which Hunter said was informative about the “business side of football”.
Coming up next for the rookie from Virginia Beach will be organized team activities, OTA’s for short.
The Titans begin OTA’s on May 29.
So far during Hunter’s first month on the job he’s been leaning heavily on the Titan’s veterans, taking tips from the guys that have been there before.
"They give us nice tips because they went through it, so they’re trying to help us out as much as they can. The workouts are way different from college. The intensity level is way higher, and it’s all power lifting. We go in groups, and everybody in my group has a nice attitude. I think that pushes me harder and makes the workout go a little easier."
Hunter has a big time opportunity to make a name for himself early in the NFL.
The Titans showed how big they were on Hunter when they moved up on day two of the draft to snag the 6’4″ receiver.
The former Vol has the prototypical size and speed of a number one receiver in the NFL. In fact the Titans (and several other teams I’ve heard) had Hunter graded as a first round talent.
Titans GM Ruston Weber said of the trade to move up and get Hunter “We felt like it was something we really needed to do”.
The Titans gave up a 2013 second and seventh rounder and a 2014 third rounder to move up a few spots to get Hunter.
To put that in perspective the Bears last season traded two third-round picks to the Dolphins for elite wide receiver Brandon Marshall. That gives you an idea of the market value of draft picks in the NFL.
It’s safe to say the Titans have lofty expectations for Hunter.
With their number one receiver, Kenny Britt, unable to stay healthy and out of trouble consistently, the Titans could be looking to Hunter to begin a new era for the team.
We’ll keep you updated on Justin Hunter’s performance throughout OTA’s this summer.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter for updates @Vols_Zach and @AllforTennessee