PROSPECT SUMMARY – WYATT HUBERT

Wyatt Hubert is an undersized, but energetic edge rusher that has been plenty productive during his career at Kansas State. Playing from many different platforms, he’s excelled the most from the stand-up position, which may force NFL teams to believe that he’s a 3-4 outside linebacker. While his experience in coverage is limited, he’s a ball of energy that doesn’t contain an off switch. His aggressive play as a pass rusher often helps him overcome his limitations, but his best asset to a team on the next level will come as a pass rusher.

Scheme Fit: 3-4 OLB.

Ideal Role: Stand-up OLB in a 3-4 defensive front.

FILM EVALUATION

Written by Jordan Reid

Games watched: Oklahoma State (2020), Baylor (2020), Texas (2020), Texas Tech (2020), Iowa State (2020)

Best Game Studied: Oklahoma State (2020)

Worst Game Studied: Texas Tech (2020)

First-Step Explosiveness: Using his leverage to his advantage, Hubert stays very low off of the ball. Maintaining a low pad level as well as having adequate operating levels, he’s able to generate plenty of up-the-field explosion. Experiencing reps from multiple spots, he’s a versatile rusher that can rush the passer from multiple pre-snap alignments. Kansas State also gave him some freedom with his stance as well, as he’s had positive plays with his hand in the dirt and from a stand-up position.

Flexibility: He's an average athlete, but Hubert wins by maintaining his low operating levels. Already with a low-to-the-ground stance and maintaining adequate bend in rush moves, tackles have experienced troubles when attempting to enter his levels. When he forces them to bend and reach to enter into his operating domains, he’s able to take advantage of them being in uncomfortable spots.

Hand Counters: When facing longer-armed blockers, it’s an uphill battle for him to be able to successfully execute counter moves that end with him detaching from their grasp. Thriving off of winning with initial moves, he can face struggles when forced to have answers. Moving forward, he must figure out go-to moves in order to help him become better with untangling from the reach of those types of blockers.

Length: Hubert’s arm length falls well below the thresholds of most NFL teams and his ability to generate counter moves falters as a result. As a run defender, he can be taken advantage of because of his lack of length. Unable to set a firm edge at times, he attempts to get up the field quickly and uses his entire body to set the edge instead of striking hard with his outside arm. He's unable to use his length adequately because he simply doesn’t have the extension necessary in order to consistently close the corner of the edge from ball-carriers.

Hand Power: Despite his lack of length, Hubert has plenty of energy behind his hands. The extraness that is associated with it helps him outwork blockers. Having a full understanding of his limitations, he puts extra effort into certain details that can allow him to overcome his lack of physical gifts in spots.

Run Defending: Hubert is aware of certain concepts and attacks them with plenty of effort. His length limitations come to the forefront during perimeter runs as those are ones where he’s allowed to circle the edge frequently due to his below-average arm length. Outside of that, he’s aware of knowing where runs are designed to attack while also being able to control his frame when in pursuit of those areas where it’s designed to go.

Effort/Motor: No. 56 is usually the most energetic player on either side of the ball when on the field. It’s clear that he’s a player that enjoys playing the game and doesn’t take any moment for granted while out there. When making a standout play, his energy has been contagious. Also playing with plenty of liveliness has helped him win certain matchups. Catching many by surprise, he’s been able to stack up victories simply because of his energy and with how hard he plays the game on a down-to-down basis.

Football IQ: A heady player from multiple spots, Hubert displays plenty of football smarts. Having a patient mindset, he often allows the game to come to him. Outside of when rushing the passer, he’s hardly ever in a rush overall. He has length deficiencies as a run defender, but he slow plays many plays, which helps him avoid being a still target.

Lateral Mobility: Hubert is often seen running flat down the line of scrimmage to chase plays down from the backside in order to bring ball-carriers down. He also has plenty of range in ball pursuit as he can make plays well outside of the tackle box.

Versatility: Better suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker, Hubert’s positive traits translate better in that spot. He has the athleticism necessary in order to be a spot dropper in coverage, but also he’s experienced more success when able to stand up prior to the snap. This alignment enables him to create more forward momentum and begin the rush process quicker. Although he sacrifices his leverage some, it also allows him to strike his hands quicker on the opposition.