The Chicago Bears surprised a number of people back in 2003 when they selected a tall, skinny kid from Louisiana-Lafayette University named Charles Tillman. As a football program, it was small potatoes. Since joining the FBA level in 1978, it had never participated in a bowl game. His final year in 2002, the team went 3-9. Yet that didn't stop the Bears from pulling the trigger on the young cornerback. The rest is history.
Tillman became arguably the best corner in Bears history. One of the greatest takeaway artists ever at his position. Ever since then, NFL teams have always kept a slightly sharper eye on that college. One can never know when the next great player might surface. For some, the belief is another name has finally started to garner serious attention.
Right tackle Robert Hunt has a lot of positive feedback from the draft community. Teams have clearly taken notice as well with several interviewing him in the past few weeks. The Bears are among them according to Justin Melo of The Draft Wire.
Robert Hunt brings the nasty the Chicago Bears need
Kyle Long has stated multiple times since he officially retired this offseason that the Bears desperately need to add more power to their offensive line. They need somebody like what he used to be. An "ass-kicker." Considering they were one of the worst rushing offenses in football last season, that would make sense. Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network thinks this is a role that suits Hunt well.
"Hunt brings terrific power, tenacity and mobility when projected inside — and he'll be much more protected from some of the foot speed and mobility issues that limited him at times as an offensive tackle. Hunt may need an incubation period to adjust to a role working on the interior at the NFL level but this is a player with starter potential and bruising power to set the tone up front."
By the sound of it, the kid brings the hurt on every snap. Talent isn't the issue year. Polish is. He needs to hone his craft a little more. Getting top-notch coaching from offensive line coach Juan Castillo would be exactly what he needs. If things progress as expected, Hunt could end up being Long's heir apparent at right guard.
