The Los Angeles Rams‘ newest coach joins the team with strong endorsements from two of the top defensive back prospects in the 2026 NFL draft.
L.A. is reportedly expected to hire as their next defensive backs coach after two years coaching projected first-round pick Caleb Downs and projected second-round pick Davison Igbinosun at Ohio State. Hunter was originally leaving OSU to coach defensive backs at Tennessee before pivoting to join Sean McVay’s staff.
Advertisement
Downs and Igbinosun were both complimentary toward Hunter as a position coach during their time together in Columbus. Downs told On3’s Brent Hubbs that Hunter can easily relate to players.
“He relates to his players at a high level,” Downs said. “He played college ball. He played NFL ball, so he really knows the game. He’s able to articulate that to his players and at the end of the day you know that the person who is coaching you has done it before. They aren’t just telling you stuff that they learned from a book. They have really experienced everything they are trying to teach you. I think that’s what makes him special.”
Hunter played in the NFL from 2016 to 2019, mostly on special teams and practice squads.
Igbinosun, meanwhile, noted that Hunter is very hands-on with his coaching.
Advertisement
“He will pour into you in his off time,” Igbinosun said. “He gives me feedback on and off the practice field. If I have a good or bad rep he tells me about it. He watches film with me before and after practice. He pours into his players tremendously.
“I learned so much from him, from my sophomore to junior year. He came to Ohio State heading into my junior year. He completely changed my whole press technique and perfected it.”
With the Rams expected to hire Hunter, Downs and Igbinosun could be targets for a Rams secondary that needs some upgrades.
Downs, who is more of a jack-of-all-trades safety, is expected to go in the first round — possibly in the top 10. L.A. would likely need to trade up to draft Downs or take him at No. 13. Downs tallied 164 solo tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, six interceptions, three forced fumbles and 12 defended passes in three college seasons (one at Alabama and two at Ohio State). He was also a two-time All-American.
Advertisement
Igbinosun is someone the Rams could look at with the No. 29 pick in the first round or No. 61 in the second round. He had 59 solo tackles and four interceptions over the past two years in the Buckeyes stout secondary.
Hunter sounds like a great coaching addition for the Rams, but perhaps his familiarity with Downs and Igbinosun will help shape how McVay and general manager Les Snead approach the draft.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Top 2026 NFL draft prospects have high praise for new Rams coach