A lot of teams are already kicking themselves for not drafting Danielle Hunter. Tabbed as a developmental prospect before the draft last year, Hunter showed in his rookie season that he’s already pretty advanced as a football player. Hunter didn’t just get in here-and-there as most expected, he was a major contributor on the defensive line, finishing with 33 tackles and six sacks.
What will Hunter do in year two under Mike Zimmer? Zim wants Hunter to get better against the run, which means becoming more comfortable lining up with his hand in the dirt. If Hunter masters playing defensive end out of the three-point stance, he could take a huge step toward becoming not just a really good situational pass rusher but a genuine force as an every-down player.
Look at Hunter’s build and skill-set and it’s easy to see him as the second-coming of Michael Johnson. What made Johnson so good in Mike Zimmer’s scheme was that he could do everything well: rush the passer, play the run and drop in coverage. If Hunter can tick those second two boxes, he could be as good as Johnson was under Zimmer or perhaps even better.
If there’s a single young defensive player on the Vikings who has “future star” written all over him, I believe it’s Hunter. Before it’s over, Hunter may make Everson Griffen expendable.