Green Bay Packers Host All-American DT For Pre-Draft Visit
The Green Bay Packers are making it incredibly clear that they want to bulk up their defensive line. General manager Brian Gutekunst is leaving no stone unturned ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. While fans continue to dream of blockbuster trades for established veteran stars, the front office is quietly doing its homework on some of the most intriguing college prospects available.
Green Bay Packers Host DT Lee Hunter
Recently, the Packers brought Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter to Green Bay for an official pre-draft visit. The two sides previously held a formal interview at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, a meeting Hunter described as “very smooth.” Given that Gutekunst frequently drafts players the team hosts for official visits, this move deserves your attention.
A Dominant College Career at Texas Tech
Lee Hunter made a massive impact during his time with the Red Raiders. He served as the anchor for the Texas Tech defense, commanding double teams and wrecking offensive game plans on a weekly basis.
His 2025 campaign was particularly impressive. Across 14 games, Hunter racked up 41 total tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Those numbers are exceptional for an interior defensive lineman whose primary job is to eat up space rather than chase down quarterbacks.
His outstanding play did not go unnoticed. Hunter earned AP Second-Team All-American honors to cap off his college career. Furthermore, he logged an 80.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking him 39th out of nearly 900 qualified interior defenders nationwide. He brings a proven resume of high-level production against tough competition.
Breaking Down Hunter’s Unique Skill Set
When you evaluate Hunter, his physical measurables immediately jump off the screen. He stands at 6-foot-3 and a half and weighs in at a sturdy 318 pounds. However, his most lethal physical trait is his incredible 6-foot-9 wingspan.
He uses that massive reach and natural upper-body strength to shed blocks with ease. Once he gets his hands on an opposing interior lineman, he controls the point of attack and routinely forces his way into the backfield to disrupt rushing lanes.
It is worth noting that Hunter hurt his draft stock slightly with a poor athletic testing performance at the Scouting Combine. He lacks elite straight-line speed and raw explosiveness. But what he misses in foot speed, he more than makes up for with functional football strength and leverage. Subpar combine numbers do not erase the high-quality tape he put together over the last year.
Fitting Into the Packers’ Defensive Scheme
The Packers are overhauling their defense under new coordinator Jonathan Gannon. The team is transitioning to a 3-4 defensive scheme, which requires big, strong bodies up front to keep the linebackers clean.
Even after signing veteran Javon Hargrave in free agency, Green Bay needs more sheer size in the trenches. Hunter fits the profile of a classic 3-4 space-eater perfectly. He can anchor against the run, occupy multiple blockers, and push the pocket from the inside out. Having a player with his dimensions allows the rest of the defensive front to operate with more freedom.
Draft Day Outlook for Green Bay
Currently ranked as a mid-second-round prospect on several draft boards, Hunter might slide slightly due to his testing numbers. This potential drop could play perfectly into Green Bay’s hands.
The Packers hold the No. 52 overall pick, their first selection in the 2026 draft. If Hunter is available when they go on the clock, his massive frame and proven run-stopping ability make him a highly logical target. Keep a close eye on the former Texas Tech standout when the draft kicks off.
