Maurice Hurst is the best all-around DT in the draft who can solidify the Redskins defensive line

Maurice Hurst, DL
School: Michigan | Conference: BIG 10
College Experience: rSr | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 280 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 1st Round or 2nd Round
NFL Comparison: Grady Jarrett

College Statistics

Player Overview

Maurice Hurst is just the latest defensive lineman to come out of a talented Michigan DL pipeline which in recent years has produced talented players such as Frank Clark, Willie Henry, and Chris Wormley. Hurst is so highly regarded because of effectiveness as both a run defender and a pass rusher. He like the Michigan players aforementioned will be scheme versatile and will have a role either as a DT in a 4-3 or as a DE in a 3-4. Hurst is a disruptor and he has consistently shown that he can make a living stopping opponents in the backfield. He’s quick and powerful at the point of attack and is just as impressive with his aggressive demeanor. There will be some critics that will point to Hurst size and potential fit as an interior rusher citing prototypical standards. I wouldn't worry about it his burst, power, strength, and technique will carry over to the NFL and he should be a productive play playing anywhere along the defensive line.

Strengths

• Solid compact frame built like a bowling ball. Excellent athlete for his build and size.
• Generates a lot of power from his initial burst and is able to exploit inside gaps generating pressure.
• Plays low and wins the leverage battle more times than not. Has a nice up and over move as well as a nice bull rush. Can collapse the pocket from the middle.
• Active. Hands are always fighting. Legs are powerful and never stop, plays with great effort and sheds blocks and gets into pursuit.
• Scheme versatile player that can stop the run and rush the passer.

Weaknesses

• Can get stonewalled if he doesn't take advantage of the guards inside shoulder outright.
• Consistently draws double teams but cant work out of them.
• Occasionally loses sight of his target almost like his eyes are down when he rushes the passer? It can lead to a bad angle and a sloppy wrap-up.

Let’s see his work:

More Maurice Hurst videos

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

Put Hurst at DE in the 3-4 base and let him rush off the edge. Put him in the interior in the four-man sets and left him rush from the DT spot. I think Hurst is one of the safest picks in the draft because his skill set is so evident field and the results are on paper. Some might worry that he is only ~280 lbs but I could care less about that seeing as this guy could put on 10 lbs with good meals and an NFL strength program. Hurst can come in immediately and at minimum split reps with Stacy McGee and hopefully eventually take over starting duties. Fans have their DT favorites like Vita Vea and Taven Bryan but Hurst is DT1 for me personally. Having a player like Hurst working alongside McGee/Ionnadis/Allen would present a nice pass rushing mix that the team needs. I think all his weaknesses can be corrected by coach Tomsula especially the issue where he drops his eyes. The size perception issue might loom large until Hurst can show what he can do at the combine for some. I doubt he gets out of the first round with the Ravens, Cowboys, and Lions waiting in the wings after the Redskins pick.