Run Defense
Corners don’t get drafted for their run defense, but it is still an important part of the game for them, and something the Panthers have made a real point of emphasizing in their corner choices. While Bunting does make a few less than convincing attempts at getting involved as a tackler:
He is actually a pretty solid tackler:
Though more powerful ball-carriers are likely going to get a few more yards out of him:
My biggest concern with him as a run defender, however, is his ability to work off blocks, and while I think there is a degree of effort to this, he could also do with getting stronger and improving his hand location when trying to work off blocks:
Bunting isn’t a great run defender, but he isn’t a terrible one either – with some coaching and weight room work, he should be at least an average player in this regard.
Bunting isn’t ready to step in and be a starter from day one, at least not without significant development during training camp, but his ceiling is as high as anybody in this draft not named Greedy Williams and he shows enough over a variety of coverages for teams to see him as far more than a long shot. For the Panthers in particular, he offers an intriguing combination of short-term depth and long-term value, and would make a lot of sense for them as early as the fourth round.
Grade: Late Third Round
Best Case NFL Comparison: Marshon Lattimore
