The Eagles’ third-round pick is bound to become a fan-favorite, and he spoke to reporters about his pre-draft process and the journey to Philly.
With one of the last picks on Day 2 of the draft, the Eagles picked Jalyx Hunt — a name most fans weren’t familiar with, but someone who will endear himself to most. Hunt spoke with reporters on Saturday to talk about his excitement to get to Philly, his journey from Cornell to Houston Christian and the position change that came with it, and how he celebrated after hearing from Howie Roseman.
“Man, I’m extremely excited to be coming to the Eagles. I was luckily blessed enough to be invited for a 30 visit — I got up there, was able to meet everyone, see the whole facility, understand the vibe of, I guess, the place I’m gonna be working now.
It’s hard to watch football and not know about the Eagles. They have a rich history of just winning and being successful. Great players have come through, Hall-of-Fame players have come through.”
Hunt went on to say that the Eagles always have a hand in creating great players and have a great team — an overall great franchise.
As for whether he seems himself as a long-term, developmental player or someone who can play right now, Hunt said that he’s willing and able to do whatever the team asks of him. Howie Roseman called Hunt the ultimate developmental player, and the rookie said that’s a huge honor to him.
“They see a lot of upside and it’s something I’m excited to grow into. So, I’m definitely patient enough to put in the work, and do what I need to do in order to reach my potential. But, if there’s any way I can contribute right out of the gate, I want to do it. I’m all for it.”
Hunt was asked about the decision to change from safety to edge rusher, and he mentioned being a late bloomer, so the move was due to him growing. He explained that he was a WR coming out of high school, moved to DB in college and continued to grow into his body, so when he transferred to Houston Christian, Hunt said it was a natural progression.
He talked a bit about his college journey, starting out at Cornell and then transferring to Houston Christian. Hunt admitted he didn’t know much about the Ivy league, but he was recruited as a safety out of high school, and it was the best opportunity for him — he saw the opportunity to get a world-class education, as well as play a high level of football. Ultimately, he decided it wasn’t the right situation for him, and in order to further his football career, he hit the transfer portal.
Hunt spoke about the pre-draft process, and said that scouts started coming through last season, but it wasn’t until he got to the Senior Bowl that the reality of going to the NFL started setting in. When he was in position to meet with coaches and GMs, that’s when being drafted became a tangible goal.
The incoming rookie rented an AirBnB in Houston so that he could celebrate the weekend with his teammates and coaches, and obviously his family. He admitted getting the call from Howie Roseman was crazy — he was sitting around texting all the guys he knows who were getting drafted ahead of him, and when he stepped inside to get a drink of water, his phone rang. Hunt ended up jumping in the pool still dressed in his suit after hearing his name called.
Some reactions on the pick
Daniel Jeremiah said he was told Jalyx Hunt is one of Vic Fangio’s favorite players from the 2024 NFL Draft. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) April 27, 2024
The Eagles take edge rusher Jalyx Hunt out of Houston Christian at No. 94. A developmental rusher who began his college career at safety.
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) April 27, 2024
Jalyx Hunt is a really interesting prospect. Former DB turned into a stud pass rusher. He’s raw, but has a lot of upside. Good pick for the future.
— Tommy Lawlor (@lawlornfl) April 27, 2024
Jalyx Hunt isn’t a guy that I watched so I can’t comment on him much, but taking him 1 pick after Adisa Isaac makes it feel like they didn’t get the guy they wanted and reached for a need, especially with guys I would have loved like Troy Franklin, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Cedrick… pic.twitter.com/TtDghnMvfu
— Shane Haff (@ShaneHaffNFL) April 27, 2024
Jalyx Hunt was drafted in round 3 pick 94 in the 2024 draft class. He scored a 9.22 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 141 out of 1798 DE from 1987 to 2024. https://t.co/r7ZZttioWa pic.twitter.com/q9Syy4u36w
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 27, 2024
3 Defensive players with their 1st 3 picks is what I asked for before the draft. These guys are going to be nice fits with the other young players we’ve drafted the last 2yrs on Defense. With the additions of Huff, CJGJ and Devin White future is looking bright. #FlyEaglesFly
— Ike Reese (@Ike58Reese) April 27, 2024
In taking #HCU EDGE Jalyx Hunt, all three of the #Eagles draft picks took predraft 30 visits to Philly. Hunt is a toolsy pass rusher who has plenty of potential after starting his career as a safety.
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) April 27, 2024
Jalyx Hunt since 2022:
78 QB pressures
14 QB hits
14 sacks— PFF PHI Eagles (@PFF_Eagles) April 27, 2024
One thing Jalyx Hunt isn’t afraid to do is strap up and HIT.
PHYSICAL ballplayer that should improve quickly within a talented Eagles front seven.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) April 27, 2024
Jalyx Hunt is my EDGE12.
Ultimate upside. Superior athlete with great size and athleticism. Dominant at level, blows past OL.
Very raw. Needs time to develop. Doesn’t understand leverage or hand usage.#Eagles take the upside#HallamAnalysis
— Shane P. Hallam (@ShanePHallam) April 27, 2024
Re Hunt: Howie loves his “athlete” projects who haven’t made much of a mark playing actual football.
Maybe this one works out.— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) April 27, 2024