2015 NFL Draft Profile: Danielle Hunter, DE LSU

LSU defensive end Danielle Hunter has an excellent combination of speed and size. It is those traits that help make him the danger that he is as a pass rusher. When he gets his long arms up in the air, it’s difficult for a quarterback to get over his towering figure to complete an accurate throw without recalculating on the fly. He’s got a really nice spin move that can throw off blockers, showing that he doesn’t have to rely on his size and strength to win the battle in the trenches.

There is some concern about his lean frame, but he’s got the body that’s capable of adding muscle mass without hurting his explosiveness and speed. Aside from that, he needs to work on his quickness off the snap, as he seems to be the last player to react too to the play starting far too often.

Whoever drafts Danielle Hunter will have to work on bulking him up and getting him quicker off the snap. Otherwise, they could have themselves a solid pass rusher that has the potential to become something special at the NFL level.

Sep 14, 2013; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Danielle Hunter (94) against the Kent State Golden Flashes during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Kent State 45-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Combine Measurables:

Height: 6’5″
Weight: 252 pounds
Arm Length: 34.25″
Hand Size: 10.5″
40 Yard Dash: 4.57 seconds
Bench Press: 25 reps
Vertical Jump: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
3 Cone Drill: N/A
20 Yard Shuttle: N/A

Draft Projection

Danielle Hunter is the #50 overall prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft according to CBSSports.com and is their #6 rated defensive end.

NFL Player Comparison

NFL.com: Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants
CBSSports.com: Barkevious Mingo, Cleveland Browns

Fit For The Vikings

Minnesota will be looking for a rotational defensive end to eventually compete with Brian Robison for the starting job opposite Everson Griffen.

My Take

While I don’t expect defensive end to be a top priority in the draft, I could see the Vikings using a 3rd rounder or later on a pass rusher to help out Robison and Griffen. If Danielle Hunter begins to slide deep into the second round on draft day, look for Rick Spielman to consider going to get him.

Next: Top 10 Biggest Vikings Salaries For 2015

More from The Viking Age

Home/Minnesota Vikings Draft