Fantasy Impact: Cincinnati Bengals Select Margus Hunt

Margus Hunt is not a guy the Cincinnati Bengals draft because he jumps out on tape. While he’s shown flashes of being an imposing force on the defensive line, he hasn’t played up to par with what his raw athleticism suggests he should. Simply put, Hunt is an athletic freak, who stands at 6-feet-8-inches and a 280-pound frame that could stand to hold even more weight without the risk of losing effectiveness.

Additionally, his 82-inch wingspan makes him a prime candidate for an effective kick-blocker and a pass-batter once his game becomes more seasoned. And a 4.6 40-yard dash time coupled with his 38 bench reps at the combine make him an elite physical commodity that could one day have a devastating impact on opposing offensive lines.

The trouble is, that day didn’t really come in college, and if it does in the pros, Hunt could be just shy of the age of 30. He will be 26 by the time the season starts, and for an unpolished talent, a team would like to think they have time to work with him. The clock will be ticking faster for Hunt, but with the right coaching, we could see him eat-up the trenches sooner than later.

College statistics courtesy of Sports Reference.

Fantasy Impact

The Bengals had to do something to push Domata Peko, and they drafted his eventual replacement in Hunt. How soon that happens isn't clear just yet, but Hunt will likely sit behind the veteran while he continues to polish his game, at least to start. Should Hunt's instincts mirror his athleticism, he could turn into an absolute force on the defensive line. But when and if that day comes is unknown, and that, coupled with the scarcity of points produced from interior linemen, is why Hunt should be an afterthought in redraft leagues and a late-round stash in dynasties.