Hughes is a tough and productive, between the tackles linebacker with good short-area tools to develop. Is well-built with a solid base but compact body lacks room for continued physical development. Does not show ideal size or speed measurables on paper but plays bigger on film, is a strong downhill filler and active pursuer to the football. Makes adequate reads but lacks great reactive athleticism at the position. Plays with good leverage and a strong, solid base; difficult to turn out of the hole when he steps up. Short-area quickness is good and a lot of production stems from beating blockers to the point of attack. Does needs to improve shedding and hand technique. Shows good pursuit quickness and burst to the football chasing off-tackle. Flashes above average lateral agility. Range is better in the short-area but he will pursue sideline-to-sideline with a good motor and for the most part takes direct angles to the ball. More-than-adequate fluidity opening and turning. Shows he can get depth quickly in coverage and blanket his underneath zone effectively with strong plant and drive skill on the pass. Our main concerns when projecting for the next level is his lack of size to remain stout and productive in the middle and we do not see the speed, hips or sharp change-of-direction skill to project high on the outside. Would like to see him play with a bit more bend and improve flexibility; he's a downhill plugger by nature. Struggles at times breaking down sharply and wrapping up as a tackler. Ceiling is low. That said, Hughes is still a very strong and productive downhill run defender with deceptive feet and quickness. A prospect who is physically ready to make the jump to inside linebacker at the next level.