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Michigan defensive lineman Maurice Hurst had a remarkable 2017 campaign, and was destined to be drafted high in the first round, but then a red-flag occurred at the NFL Combine that prevented Hurst from performing.
Doctors diagnosed Hurst with a heart condition after an irregular EKG test. Since then, Hurst stock has taken a hit in the eyes of pundits, although he was medically cleared and performed at Michigan’s Pro Day last month.
The good news for Hurst is his condition is the same as the one Panthers defensive lineman Star Lotulelei had at the NFL Combine, and Lotulelei ended up being drafted 14th overall.
When factoring in precedent that could be in Hurst’s favor and his skill-set, just one team needs to take a chance on Hurst in the first. And the chances of Hurst sliding past 20th overall seem slim despite some mock drafts and assumptions.
Hurst is being compared to Aaron Donald, and there’s no way a guy compared to Donald is going to fall into the second round.
The Basics (Pro Day Results)
Height: 6-2
Weight: 282
40 Yard Dash: 4.98
Bench Reps (225 lbs): 29
Vertical: 31”
3-Cone: 7.71
Broad Jump: 104”
The Numbers (2017)
Tackles: 60 (25 solo)
Tackles for Loss: 14.5
Sacks: 5
Honors: First Team All Big-Ten, Team MVP, Reese’s Senior Bowl Senior of the Week, Consensus All-American
Do Your Homework
Scouting Report
- Great quickness for his position
- A variety of pass-rush moves. Hurst displayed not only a bull-rush and swim technique, but he also successfully used a spin move sparingly.
- Active hands that allow him to gain leverage against lineman who may be stronger than him
- Solid pad-level
- Excellent footwork that get him in the right position and around lineman
- Above average speed for a lineman
- Perceived to be short and too light
- Over-pursues at times instead of maintaining his assigned gap
- Perceived to only be wanted in a 4-3, three technique scheme.
What they are saying
Maurice. Hurst. pic.twitter.com/VwZylXF04z
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) April 15, 2018
Also notable Maurice Hurst fell out of Mayock's Top-5 DTs. Hurst was previously No. 4. Didn't make tie for 5th in today's update.
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) April 20, 2018
The best two interior pass rushers in the league right now are Aaron Donald and Geno Atkins.
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) April 12, 2018
If you were looking to comp Maurice Hurst to NFL players, those would be like 1-2 on the list. This idea that his size is a problem is crazy given the success of those players.
Maurice Hurst might be the most underrated player in this draft class pic.twitter.com/yS7VhzVm37
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) April 14, 2018
Here's why the @PFF crew thinks Maurice Hurst—not Bradley Chubb, Minkah Fitzpatrick or Roquan Smith—is the best defensive prospect in this year's draft class
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) March 29, 2018
For more episodes of the MMQB Draft Preview Show subscribe to SI TV https://t.co/MTG3t8Wbx4 pic.twitter.com/VDWG0PBNFJ
Is Maurice Hurst a poor man's Aaron Donald?
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) April 17, 2018
Here's what I mean, before draft twitter jumps me.
Donald had production and tape to suggest top 5 pick, but measurables dropped him to 12.
Hurst was probably most productive DL last year but his size suggests 2nd rounder.