Saints work with dominant DT Lee Hunter during Pro Day

By Ross Jackson

One of the more underrated needs that remains from the New Orleans Saints’ active offseason is bolstering talent in the defensive line. While the edge rusher role is likely to see attention in the year’s NFL Draft, so too should the interior of the line. 

On Thursday, during Texas Tech’s Pro Day, Saints defensive line coach Bo Davis got some extra work in with one of this class’s best defensive tackle options, Lee Hunter. 

Texas Tech DT Lee Hunter being worked out by Saints DL coach Bo Davis pic.twitter.com/GN6zmlSQvb

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) March 26, 2026

Video shared by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris shows Davis and Hunter working together through a number of drills. 

Hunter, who measured in at the NFL Scouting Combine at 6-foot-3 and 318 pounds, is a strong fit for defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s system. He’s a nose tackle with great strength and explosiveness. He impressed consistently throughout his Senior Bowl opportunities and is considered a top player at his position in this year’s draft. 

Davis, who works with the Saints’ interior defensive linemen, is noted as one of the best coaches of the position group in football, regardless of level. 

Last year, Hunter piled on 41 combined tackles for the Red Raiders defense which included 10.5 for a loss. He added 2.5 sacks and a fumble forced as well. 

While much focus is on what the Saints may do at wide receiver during this year’s selection process, other areas like the defensive line are likely to see some attention. Hunter would be an immediately impactful player to add to the Saints’ defensive front. 

The UCF transfer is expected to be selected as early as the late first round, but should he be on the board when the Saints’ second-round selection (No. 42 overall) comes around, he could make the team’s decision a simple one when on the clock.