Kansas City Chiefs select Hunter Nourzad in fifth round of 2024 NFL Draft

The professional football dream has come true for former Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Hunter Nourzad during the 2024 NFL Draft.

Nourzad was selected with the No. 159 overall pick in the fifth during the 2024 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, and now he’ll look to bring the same success he enjoyed in college to the professional level.

Before takings his talents to Penn State, Nourzad was an offensive lineman for Cornell. He’s a smart, strong offensive lineman, and that’s one of the many reasons he was taken in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Nourzad played high school football at The Walker School (GA), where he was not ranked as a prospect, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Hunter Nourzad

Ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein took some time to evaluate where each NFL Draft prospect could end up with their careers, including the former Penn State offensive lineman.

First, the analyst listed Nourzad’s strengths, “Quick-sets pass rushers with early hands in their chest. Maintains extension and feel for rusher through mirroring. Firm jab followed by a firm anchor to withstand a charge. Fits up angle blocks with inside hands and running feet to finish,” were some of them.

Continuing, Zierlein provided an in-depth analysis into how he believes the offensive lineman will adjust to the rigors of the NFL.

“Broad and powerful with thick hips and adequate length for the position,” Zierlein stated. “The Cornell transfer not only possesses NFL-caliber core strength, technique and body control, he also had quality performances against his toughest Big Ten competition. Nourzad has the feel and footwork for all run-blocking schemes and is strong enough to deal with a 0-technique lined up over him.

“While he’s strong on impact, he needs to be careful about playing too far out over his skis in order to keep from whiffing. His punch and anchor are where they need to be, but the Ohio State game showed he has work to do with twist recognition and response. Nourzad has early starter ability at center.”

Alas, it’s evident Lance Zierlein believes Hunter Nourzad has a shot to become a solid NFL player, but we’ll see how he progresses along his journey into the future, as he moves to the next level.