Wyatt Hubert decided to enter the NFL draft after his redshirt junior season. The Kansas State prospect recorded first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2019 and had 8.5 sacks in 10 sacks in an abbreviated 2020 season. Hubert is not creating NFL draft buzz, but he could be a late-round find that turns into a productive NFL player.
His career stats below.
| Tack | Tack | Tack | Tack | Tack | Def | Def | Def | Fumb | Fumb | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Solo | Ast | Tot | Loss | Sk | Int | TD | PD | FR | FF |
| 2018 | Kansas State | Big 12 | FR | DE | 12 | 27 | 7 | 34 | 7.5 | 4.5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| *2019 | Kansas State | Big 12 | SO | DE | 12 | 26 | 7 | 33 | 12.5 | 7.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2020 | Kansas State | Big 12 | JR | DE | 10 | 19 | 8 | 27 | 13.0 | 8.5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Career | Kansas State | 72 | 22 | 94 | 33.0 | 20.0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
Traits that Wyatt Hubert can bring to the NFL
Wyatt Hubert plays with his hair on fire. He is always working to get to the ball carrier and is always running out every play until the whistle sounds. For his size, you also see a rare ability to bend and dip below offensive tackles.
Check out the clips here to see Hubert bend, and get to the quarterback. On the play below Hubert is rushing against a right tackle on third down. He knows he has to get to the quarterback quickly and bursts off of the ball. Still, watch the dip as he shoots right under the tackle on his path to the quarterback. He hits his arm and forces a bad pass.
Hubert can also stunt to the inside and has the strength to hold up well when setting an edge on the outside. He also has a skill set that could translate to special-team work. Still, teams are drafting Hubert because he knows how to rush the passer.
Areas where Wyatt Hubert will struggle in the NFL
The issue with Hubert is that he may be reliant on one move. He does not have adequate length and can often be pushed around when he tries to use his hands. This shows against the run as well as he can hold the edge, but cannot disengage when blockers can get into his chest.
Also, while he plays with the burst and fanatical effort to get to the quarterback that can lead to overshooting his man and leaving running lanes open. Lastly, this is not someone who is going to drop into coverage. In space, you can see shifty players get away from Hubert with ease. Overall, when you are drafting Wyatt Hubert you know that you are getting a pass rush specialist and a bit of a one-trick pony at that. However, the trick is pretty tough to beat.
NFL comparison for Wyatt Hubert
Wyatt Hubert did not do every testing drill at his Pro Day, but we were able to get his height, weight, and a few other testing metrics.
Using these numbers we are able to find some physical comparisons in the NFL for Wyatt Hubert. Some names that make sense in comparison to Hubert from this list include Rob Ninkovich, Jabaal Sheard, Frostee Rucker, Jason Babin, Vinny Curry, Trey Hendrickson, Kerry Wynn, Stephen Weatherly.
This list should give you a strong indication of the type of player that you are working with. For the most part, these are all depth edge rushers who have not wowed with a complete arsenal, but have a solid set of moves, know how to get to the quarterback and work their butts off on every snap.
Ninkovich is similar in that they are shorter, shorter-armed worker bees who consistently find ways to get pressure. Ninkovich had a similar ability to bend at his size as well. Ninkovich is not a star name but was consistent as a rotational rusher for years and would present a strong ceiling in comparison to a player such as Wyatt Hubert in the NFL.
Wyatt Hubert fit with Chicago Bears
In adding Robert Quinn, the Chicago Bears have admitted that dropping into coverage is not what they need from their edge rushers. On the other hand, Barkevious Mingo was signed as a platoon edge player who could drop into coverage. Mingo is a free agent, so the question is whether they want a versatile player who could do what Mingo did, or if they want to get a more potent pass rusher.
On one hand, if Quinn is the pass rush specialist, they need a different type of depth option. On the other, Hubert would provide on special teams, and the team could even bring back Mingo with Hubert being a pass-rushing upgrade from James Vaughters as well.
The Bears should be interested in bolstering their depth, especially if Mingo is going to leave. If Hubert falls into the sixth round or later, he should be on the Bears radar. In the fifth round or earlier, they should be looking for more versatility or should be looking for positions other than edge depth. PFF has given Hubert a sixth-round projection, so he could very well be in play for a late day three add with the Chicago Bears.