Does Lee Hunter Make Sense as a Draft Target for the Chargers?

In terms of the Los Angeles Chargers’ interior defensive line, the team recently added veteran Dalvin Tomlinson on a one-year, $7.5 million deal and re-signed Teair Tart to a three-year extension worth up to $37.5 million, including $20 million guaranteed. However, they also lost Da'Shawn Hand to the Atlanta Falcons on a one-year, $3 million deal and Otito Ogbonnia to the Dallas Cowboys on a similar contract.

As a result, investing in the position early in the 2026 NFL Draft—where the Bolts hold the 22nd overall pick—could be a smart move. If so, Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter could emerge as a potential target.

The six-foot-three, 318-pound Hunter earned First-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big 12 honors after posting 41 total tackles (16 solo), 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in his lone season with the Red Raiders in 2025. He also recorded an 80.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 38th out of 913 qualifying defensive tackles, along with an impressive 84.9 run-defense grade.

Prior to joining Texas Tech for his senior season, Hunter spent three seasons at UCF, earning Second-Team All-Big 12 honors in his final year with the Knights in 2024. His sophomore season in 2023 was his most productive, as he recorded 69 total tackles (41 solo), one pass breakup and three sacks.

Hunter recently participated in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, where he measured with 33 1/4-inch arms and 9 1/4-inch hands. He posted a 5.18-second 40-yard dash, a 1.79-second 10-yard split, a 21.5-inch vertical jump and an 8-foot-4-inch broad jump. Hunter’s performance at the combine earned him a total score of 73, ranking third among participating defensive tackles. His production score of 82 ranked first at the position, while his estimated athleticism score of 53 ranked 29th.

For the Chargers, Hunter’s size and strength would add a physical presence to the interior of the defensive front that the Bolts have been searching for. His ability to stop the run is arguably his best trait, as he can stack and shed single blocks while also sliding and maintaining his run fit against zone schemes. That interior presence would be valuable in helping Los Angeles become more consistent against the run.

While he may not possess the quickness or pass-rush upside to see extensive work on passing downs, he can still collapse the pocket with his power. Hunter would be an interesting fit in new defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary’s system, giving the Chargers a reliable early-down defender who can help control the line of scrimmage.