2015 NFL Draft: Vikings Select DE Danielle Hunter In 3rd Round

The Vikings have gone all-in this year to improve their defensive talent via the draft. Through three rounds, Minnesota has now drafted three players for Mike Zimmer’s ever-evolving defensive unit.

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The third man taken is in some ways the most intriguing of them all. After a pair of trade downs, the Vikings made their pick 88th overall, and took defensive end Danielle Hunter of LSU.

Hunter is intriguing for one reason: raw athleticism. NFL.com compares him to Jason Pierre-Paul:

"Hunter isn’t as heavy as Jason Pierre-Paul, but he has similar length, explosiveness and potential. The concern with Hunter is that his pass-rush instincts are marginal and he hasn’t learned to use his physical advantages to rush the quarterback more consistently. Hunter’s floor is high thanks to his overwhelming physical traits and motor, but his ceiling will only go as high as the level of coaching he is able to incorporate."

Hunter is praised for his explosiveness and strength, but is downgraded for his lack of consistency. Clearly the tools are there, but can his talents be fully unleashed?

That will be Mike Zimmer’s challenge. Rick Spielman has now given Zim three new young players to develop, and it’s up to the wily old defensive guru to mold them.

Next: Is Trae Waynes Overrated Garbage?

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