Auburn RB Jarquez Hunter drafted No. 117 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft

Multi-year starter at running back for Auburn, Jarquez Hunter, has been drafted in the 4th round by the Los Angeles Rams. Hunter is the No. 117 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Hunter as a recruit

On3 Industry Ranking (2021 Recruiting Class): No. 763 nationally, No. 51 running back, No. 12 in Mississippi

Hunter, who played for Neshoba Central High School in Philadelphia, Mississippi, was a three-star recruit who Auburn identified in the last months before signing day. The Tigers landed Hunter over in-state Mississippi State.

Hunter at Auburn

In four years at Auburn, Hunter rushed for a total of 3,371 yards and moved into fourth on the Tigers’ all-time rushing list. He passed Ben Tate and Joe Cribbs in the Iron Bowl, and finishes his career behind only Joe Cribbs, Carnell Williams and Bo Jackson on the all-time list.

Hunter’s 1,201 yards in the 2024 season rank 19th among Auburn single season rushers all-time. Hunter ranks sixth in Auburn career all-purpose yardage with 4,446 yards; next is Cribbs (4,561 from 1976-79), Onterio McCalebb (4,566 from 2009-12), Jackson (4,892 from 1982-85).

Hunter finished his Auburn career with 25 rushing touchdowns and 4 receiving touchdowns. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry for the entirety of his career.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Provided by nfldraftbuzz.com

Scouting Report: Strengths

• Excellent vision and instincts, consistently pressing the line and finding daylight even against stacked boxes
• Possesses a second gear that allows him to explode through holes and hit the second level in a hurry
• Displays ankle-breaking lateral agility, stringing together cuts that leave defenders grasping at air
• Runs with outstanding pad level and contact balance, consistently falling forward and churning out YAC
• Scheme-versatile back with experience in multiple systems, showcasing ability to adapt to various run concepts
• Home run threat every time he touches the rock, boasting a career 6.0+ YPC average
• Soft mitts out of the backfield, offering upside as a check-down option and screen game weapon
• High football IQ with the ability to process defensive fronts and make pre-snap adjustments

Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Pass protection skills need significant improvement to be trusted in third-down situations at the next level
• Despite improvements, receiving skills are still developing and may require time to fully translate to NFL passing games
• Production dipped slightly in junior year, raising questions about consistency against top-tier competition
• May need to improve ball security to withstand increased physicality of NFL defenses
• Limited experience as a full-time workhorse back could require adjustment period to heavier NFL workloads

Scouting Report: Summary

Hunter possesses the tools to be a dynamic complement in an NFL backfield with potential to grow into a featured role. His combination of vision, burst, and big-play ability makes him an ideal fit for zone-based rushing attacks that capitalize on his one-cut style and acceleration.

NFL teams will value Hunter’s explosiveness and versatility in today’s pass-heavy offenses. His ability to contribute in both the running and passing game, coupled with his strong athletic testing, suggests he could outperform his draft position.

Hunter’s draft stock will likely hinge on how teams evaluate his ability to refine his pass protection and expand his role in the passing game. With his collegiate production, athletic profile, and room for growth, Hunter represents solid value as a Day 3 selection with the upside to become a significant contributor in the right system.

Written By:
Bill Miller (SEC)