Minnesota Vikings rookie Danielle Hunter making an impact
By Adam Carlson
It was expected that Minnesota Vikings rookie defensive lineman Danielle Hunter would need time to develop, but he’s making a big splash during 2015.
When the Minnesota Vikings selected Louisiana State University defensive end Danielle Hunter in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, many draft experts shook their heads. Hunter had accumulated just 4.5 sacks over his three-year collegiate career, which is not the kind of numbers that you usually see from a highly sought after pass rusher in the draft.
However, the Vikings saw something much more from Hunter. They had absolutely not problem pulling the trigger on the young player in the draft when others passed on what appeared to be an unfinished product. Draft experts tended to agree that he would need to work hard over time to realize his potential.
Those words from the NFL, draft experts, and bloggers didn’t go unheard by Danielle Hunter according to the Pioneer Press website, who took the criticism in stride.
"“People would always say, just random people, just telling me that, ‘Oh, I’m raw.’ and all that,” Hunter said. “I’m like, ‘All right.’ I really didn’t pay attention to it.”"
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Personally, I was one of those folks who saw the physical potential that Hunter was working with, but thought he’d need time to develop those talents and grow into being an NFL pass rusher. However, he has far exceeded any of the expectations I had for him during his rookie year, accumulating 32 combined tackles and 6 sacks so far this season in a limited role and on special teams.
The Minnesota Vikings have recognized the effort that Hunter puts in, not just on the field but also in team meetings and is very open to suggestions from the coaches and other players.
"“Danielle deserves all the credit because he puts in the hard work,” Minnesota defensive line coach Andre Patterson said. “Everything I say to him at meetings, he writes it down whether it’s in a group or one-on-one. He very rarely makes the same mistake twice.”"
His hard work has been paying off. Even Mike McCarthy, the head coach of the Green Bay Packers, has been watching Hunter and knows that there is something special there according to an article on Vikings.com.
"“(He’s) much improved from our first meeting. It’s something that jumps off the video at you. It’s just really his whole game. Like a lot of rookies, they improve as the season goes on, and we have some guys that are different players today than they were in earlier weeks,” McCarthy said. “I think statistically, obviously, his pass rush, as far as his pressures and sacks. I’m definitely impressed with Hunter.”"
Danielle Hunter will get another chance to impress McCarthy when the Minnesota Vikings play the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football’s January 3, 2016 broadcast in a game that will decide who the NFC North champions are.