Aug 3, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter (15) rushes with the ball after catching a pass during training camp at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Early on during Tennessee Titans training camp former Vol receiver Justin Hunter has received some praise and shown signs of improvement.
Loggains said WR Justin Hunter has flashed. Said he is getting better each practice #Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) August 2, 2013
Unfortunately for Hunter, he hasn’t been able to bury his issues with drops that plagued him during his junior season at the University of Tennessee.
Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean recently reported that Hunter has dropped several passes from Jake Locker, including one that “hit him in the chest”.
Hunter possesses the elite size and speed to be a productive NFL receiver, but he’ll have to correct his problems with dropped passes. He’s also been criticized at times for being soft.
You may be able to get away with being soft in college, even at the level of play in the SEC, but that won’t fly in the NFL.
Hunter has already caught the wrath of the Titans’ wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson.
Jefferson, who spent 13 seasons in the NFL as a receiver, has blasted Hunter on several occasions for his lack of toughness.
Hopefully Hunter can develop into the physical receiver he’ll have to be in order to become a starter in the NFL.
It’d be a shame to see the type of talent Hunter has be squandered due to a lack of mental and physical toughness.
For more on former Vols in the NFL make sure to follow along on Twitter @ZachAFT and @Allfortennessee