Prospect for the New York Giants Draft: Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter, RB

Prospect for the New York Giants Draft: Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter, RB

As the NFL draft approaches, every team is looking for ways to improve their roster and fill crucial gaps. For the New York Giants, a team that has been in the midst of rebuilding and reshaping their identity under head coach Brian Daboll, finding the right pieces to complement quarterback Daniel Jones and establish a stronger offensive attack will be vital. One position that could be critical for the Giants’ success moving forward is running back, and an intriguing prospect that has garnered attention is Jarquez Hunter, the standout running back from Auburn University.

Hunter’s combination of speed, vision, and power makes him a compelling prospect for any team, and the Giants may find him to be a perfect fit as they continue to build a balanced offense. But how does Hunter’s skill set compare to other top running backs in this draft class, and why might the New York Giants target him specifically? Let’s dive into his background, strengths, weaknesses, and why he could be an ideal addition to the Giants’ backfield.

1. Jarquez Hunter’s Background and College Career

Jarquez Hunter is a name that’s been making waves in the college football world ever since his time at Auburn. Coming out of Lufkin High School in Texas, Hunter was a highly sought-after recruit, boasting impressive speed and natural talent that caught the eyes of scouts from around the country. Hunter committed to Auburn in 2020, where he quickly became one of the most exciting and dynamic running backs in the SEC.

In his freshman season (2021), Hunter didn’t waste any time making his mark. He showcased his natural ability to hit the hole and accelerate quickly, making defenders miss in space. He finished the season with 1,344 total yards, combining both rushing and receiving yards, and proved to be a vital part of Auburn’s offense.

Hunter’s ability to contribute as both a running back and a receiving option out of the backfield made him an even more appealing prospect. His sophomore year was equally impressive, as he continued to improve upon his vision and decision-making. By the end of his college career, Hunter had amassed a total of 2,500+ rushing yards, solidifying his position as one of the top running back prospects in the nation.

Hunter’s most notable traits were his ability to break long runs and his vision. He averaged 6.2 yards per carry in 2023, proving that he was not just a one-trick pony who could only gain yards on short runs. He’s known for his explosive burst, a quick first step, and a gear that allows him to reach the next level quickly.

2. Strengths: What Jarquez Hunter Brings to the NFL

When evaluating any prospect, particularly a running back, it’s important to understand what makes them stand out on the field. For Jarquez Hunter, there are several aspects of his game that will make him a valuable asset to any NFL team, including the New York Giants.

Vision and Patience

One of Hunter’s most impressive attributes is his vision. As a running back, understanding the flow of the defense and being able to see open lanes is crucial. Hunter excels in this department, often displaying excellent patience while waiting for holes to open up. He knows when to accelerate and when to slow down and let the play develop in front of him.

For the Giants, this is a crucial skill set, especially since their offensive line has had moments of inconsistency in recent years. Hunter’s ability to read defenses and wait for the right moment to explode through a gap will allow him to make the most of any opportunities in the NFL, regardless of the line’s performance.

Speed and Burst

Hunter has been clocked with an impressive 4.4-second 40-yard dash, showcasing his elite speed. He’s not just fast, though—he has an incredible burst once he reaches the second level. His ability to accelerate and break away from defenders in open space is one of his greatest attributes.

This type of speed and burst would complement the Giants’ offensive scheme perfectly, as they’re looking for ways to diversify their attack and create explosive plays. If Hunter can make defenders miss and break off big runs, it could open up more opportunities for Daniel Jones and the passing game to succeed. The Giants have struggled to generate consistent explosive plays in recent years, and adding a running back with Hunter’s big-play potential could drastically alter the dynamic of their offense.

Power and Toughness

While Hunter is known for his speed, he also brings a certain toughness to his game that sets him apart from some other top-tier running backs. He’s not the biggest back in terms of height or weight (standing at 5’11” and weighing in around 210 pounds), but he runs with physicality and refuses to go down easily. Whether it’s grinding out tough yards in short-yardage situations or fighting for extra yardage after contact, Hunter has proven that he can handle the physicality of SEC defenses.

In the NFL, this trait is crucial, especially when running between the tackles in tough situations. For the Giants, who have relied heavily on Saquon Barkley in the past, adding a running back who has the ability to power through contact while maintaining his speed could make a huge difference in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Hunter’s ability to take hits and continue to churn out yardage would give the Giants the toughness they need in their backfield.

Receiving Ability

In today’s NFL, being a running back who can catch passes out of the backfield is more important than ever. Jarquez Hunter has displayed solid hands as a receiver during his time at Auburn, making him a threat not only as a runner but also as a weapon in the passing game. Over his career, Hunter caught over 60 passes, proving he can be a reliable option on screens and wheel routes. His ability to catch passes in the open field and make defenders miss with his agility adds a layer of versatility that could make him an even more dangerous weapon in the Giants’ offense.

With Daniel Jones continuing to grow as a quarterback, having a running back who can catch passes out of the backfield would be a great way to keep opposing defenses on their toes. Hunter’s dual-threat ability would give the Giants another option to keep defenders guessing and open up opportunities for the passing game.

3. Weaknesses: Areas of Improvement

No player is without flaws, and while Hunter has a wealth of talent, there are a few areas where he could improve to maximize his potential at the next level.

Pass Protection

One of the key weaknesses in Hunter’s game is his pass protection. In the NFL, running backs are often asked to pick up blitzes and help protect the quarterback. While Hunter is capable of blocking in the run game, his pass protection skills are still a work in progress. At times, he struggles with diagnosing blitzes and stepping up to make the necessary block. In the SEC, this was less of a concern due to the competition level, but in the NFL, it will be a more pressing issue.

However, pass protection can be improved with coaching, and if Hunter can develop a better understanding of how to protect the quarterback and deal with blitzing linebackers and safeties, it will elevate his overall value.

Consistency with Vision in Tight Spaces

While Hunter’s vision is impressive in open spaces, there are instances where he can get caught in the backfield or fail to identify lanes in more crowded or tight spaces. This lack of consistency can sometimes hinder his ability to make the most of opportunities in short-yardage situations. NFL defenses are faster and more physical, so Hunter will need to sharpen his decision-making ability in those situations to be truly effective.

4. Why Jarquez Hunter Fits the New York Giants

The New York Giants are in an interesting position heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. With Saquon Barkley‘s future uncertain and the team looking to build a more balanced and dynamic offense, adding a running back like Jarquez Hunter could be a smart move. Hunter’s speed, power, and versatility would complement Daniel Jones’ growth as a quarterback while providing the Giants with another explosive weapon on offense.

The Giants’ offense has lacked the consistency and firepower needed to compete in the NFC East, and while Barkley is a dynamic player, Hunter offers a similar skill set with the potential to step in and contribute right away. Whether as a starting running back or a valuable piece in a committee approach, Hunter’s addition to the team could provide a much-needed boost to the offense.

Furthermore, with the NFL becoming more pass-oriented, Hunter’s receiving ability gives him an edge over other running backs who may not have as much of a presence in the passing game. His ability to make plays in the open field would give the Giants the versatility they need to build a well-rounded, unpredictable offense that can threaten opposing defenses both on the ground and through the air.