The 2018 NFL Draft Prospect series breaks down draft-eligible players, highlighting their college production as well as their NFL potential. Daily fantasy players should know about NFL rookies before they’ve played a down of professional football because they are among the most misvalued assets in all of DFS. People who know NFL rookies have a significant DFS edge. The draft will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, from April 26-28.
This piece is on Michigan defensive tackle Maurice Hurst.
Grad Student | 6’2″ and 282 Pounds | Born May 9, 1995 (Age: 22) | Projection: Rounds 1-2
Hurst isn’t your everyday first-round defensive tackle prospect. While we typically envision the big uglies on defense as massive stalwarts meant to complement twitchy edge rushers, this first-team All-American is an undersized interior defender with the first step of an elite pass rusher. Unfortunately, Hurst’s burst and change of direction skills weren’t measured at the combine after he was diagnosed with an irregular EKG. Michigan’s 2017 team MVP expects to take part in the Wolverines’ pro day given that he was previously cleared from the same condition by the team’s medical staff, but Hurst’s status as one of the draft’s best interior defenders is largely dependent on whether he’s eventually cleared.
It took three seasons on campus for Hurst to earn a full-time starting spot on the Wolverines’ perennially loaded defensive front, but he more than made up for the lost time in 2016-17. Overall, Hurst racked up a combined 92 tackles, 24.5 tackles for a loss, and 10.5 sacks during his two final collegiate seasons. Pro Football Focus graded him as the No. 1 overall player in 2017, as he ranked first among interior defenders against the run and sixth in pass rushing. In addition to being an elite producer, Hurst offers plenty of scheme flexibility given that he played 375-plus snaps at both nose and defensive tackle last year.
Some defensive linemen make a living by controlling the man in front of them and filling two gaps per play. Hurst doesn’t have the size or strength to pull this off, but any coaching staff in the league would be thrilled to work with his first step. Defensive linemen who have the ability to penetrate and cause disruptions in the backfield are valuable at all levels of football.
Hurst offers a consistent one-gap surge from either the one- or three-technique position. His pass-rushing toolbox isn’t incredibly deep, but his get-off speed typically eliminates the need for much hand-to-hand combat. His quick-twitch ability made Hurst a popular double-team candidate for most Big Ten offensive lines, and he should be able to hold his own in the trenches at the next level if he improves his strength.
There’s no such thing as a can’t-miss prospect, and Hurst isn’t the exception to this rule. His lack of elite size and strength could come back to bite him if he’s miscast in a front that doesn’t routinely allow its linemen to rush upfield at the snap. Still, a penetrating interior defender capable of lining up opposite both guards and centers alike can be utilized effectively by plenty of coaches across the league. There will always be a need for three-down difference makers on the defensive front, and it’s rare to find one with the first step and collegiate production of Hurst. His medicals and scheme will largely dictate the impact he’s able to have as a rookie and beyond.
In our most recent mock draft, we have Hurst going to the Vikings at No. 30.
Photo Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
