Caleb Harris
PHILADELPHIA – Jalyx Hunt looked like a kid in a candy store when she took the podium at the NovaCare Complex Auditorium for the first time. The Eagles’ third-round pick didn’t have many media obligations at Houston Christian or Cornell, making sure to enjoy the moment while facing the media.
“That’s cool,” Hunt said to himself before answering the first question.
O NFL It’s a significantly different game for a small-school player like Hunt, who the Eagles ranked 94th overall and are projecting him to be a very productive pass rusher in the future. This year will be a development year for Hunt, who will learn from Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat and other pass rushers.
Needless to say, Hunt is looking forward to it.
“There are some people in that (edge rusher) room that I’m ready to ask questions about until they tell me to shut up,” Hunt said.
One of the edge rushers Hunt is ready to learn from Brandon Graham, who is entering his 15th and final season in the league. A respected leader in the locker room, Hunt has yet to meet Graham. This will change soon.
“I’m ready to pick your brain,” Hunt said. “I only heard his name. Anything he’s willing to teach me, I’m willing to learn.
“Being in the league for 15 years is no small feat. Even things outside of football, the way he behaves as a person and what he does off the field to make sure he’s ready to play on the field. I would like to learn from him too.”
The Eagles are more than willing to give Hunt a redshirt season to develop his pass rushing skills. That doesn’t mean Hunt won’t see the field, but it will be difficult for him to earn meaningful snaps with Graham, Sweat, Bryce Huff and Nolan Smith taking the bulk of the reps.
“My God, he’s close to BG [Graham]and that’s huge,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. “Just like it was for Cam [Jurgens] be close to Jason [Kelce]. And just like it was for Jordan [Davis] and Jalen [Carter] be close to Fletch [Fletcher Cox]. It will be the same thing there.
“It’s not just about that person in that position, it’s about immersing them in the culture. Our culture is our behaviors, what you do every day, over and over again. So it’s exciting that they’re here.”
Hunt doesn’t think it will take long to show the Eagles what he can do. The practices will show his talent. A hard worker by nature, Hunt is setting himself up for success at the professional level – the biggest obstacle for every newcomer.
“I just need the reps,” Hunt said. “Other than just doing the reps day in and day out, I don’t think it’s going to be a big transition. But I definitely have to train like a pro, take my moves to a pro level. My technique needs to improve a little bit.
“I think the biggest transition is being able to play consistently at this high level.”
