May 13, 2026
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2010 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jerry Hughes

Charlie Campbell Charlie Campbell3 mins
Strengths:
  • Terrific speed and explosion off the edge
  • Relentless pass rusher
  • Nonstop motor
  • Extremely fast first step
  • Love his bend and flexibility running the horn
  • Nice pass rush repertoire (spin, club, swim)
  • Shows ability to counter an offensive tackle
  • Great instincts
  • High level of production
  • Nice footwork and timing
  • Does a good job of reading a tackle’s feet
  • Good hand extension
  • Big hitter
  • Sure tackler
  • Plays with pad level
  • Seems to want it more than everyone else
  • Comfortable in space
  • Big leader



    Weaknesses:
  • Average size
  • Will get engulfed by bigger linemen at next level
  • Hips a little stiff in coverage
  • Lacks bulk on frame
  • Lacks power
  • Poor defender against run

    Summary: Hughes earns my first-round, 4-star grade as a 3-4 rush linebacker. His athleticism and motor is simply too much for me to not grade him out higher than everyone else. He is my No. 1 3-4 outside linebacker in the draft and I expect his stock to soar among the 3-4 teams in the league. He was simply too productive at TCU, and despite his lack of height we can see what Elvis Dumervil did last season with his exceptional first step and speed off the edge. Hughes is a projected late-first to second-round pick, but could end up going in the top 25 picks when it’s all said and done, much like Larry English.

    Player Comparison: Robert Mathis. Mathis is an undersized pass rusher who plays with amazing effort, but is a liability against the run.



    RELATED LINKS:


    2010 NFL Mock Draft: Matt’s | Walt’s


    2010 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2010 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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