Dec 8, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter (15) pulls in a forty one yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
One of the biggest criticisms of Justin Hunter when he was drafted was his sleight frame.
Hunter, who weighed around 196 lbs last year at the NFL combine, came into the league with a reputation of not being a very physical receiver.
This is something he struggled with during mini-camps, often drawing the ire of wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson. That led to Hunter saying, at the completion of the 2013 season, that his rookie year was “tougher than he thought it’d be“.
Hunter struggled during the early part of the season, but he came alive down the stretch.
The former Tennessee Volunteer finished the 2013 season with 18 receptions for 354 yards and four touchdowns.
232 of those yards came during a breakout three-game stretch in late November/early December.
Hunter will try to build off his strong finish in his second season. He’s added a bit more weight to his frame during the off-season to help with that goal.
Justin Hunter said he has gained 15 pounds this offseason and now weighs 208.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) April 29, 2014
This is great news for fans of the Tennessee Titans.
Hunter, who also told reporters on Monday that he feels more confident, can be a star receiver in the NFL. He has plenty of talent, but a lack of size and focus has hampered him since his collegiate days on Rocky Top.
The former second-round draft pick will have to prove he can be consistent in his second season in the league.
Adding 15 lbs won’t cure all of his woes, but it certainly can’t hurt.
All the tools are there, now he just has to put it all together.
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