The Minnesota Vikings found a raw talent in Danielle Hunter, but he is developing faster than expected. What kind of role should he have going forward?
When the Minnesota Vikings selected LSU defensive end Danielle Hunter in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, many draft experts were left scratching their heads. They didn’t see a raw prospect like Hunter as being worthy of being selected in that spot.
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Despite playing a limited role during the 2015 season, the athletic 6’5″ pass rusher notched 6 sacks and drew the attention of opposing teams. There were times when opposing coaches would say that their offensive line needed to account for Hunter during specific situations, including a lot of praise from Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.
Now it is 2016 and the Minnesota Vikings look to bring back their starting defensive ends in Brian Robison and Everson Griffen. However, don’t count out the second year surprise, as the team could look to Danielle Hunter more often this year.
Of course, he will still have 3rd and long situations as well as rotational opportunities, but there are also chances that Hunter could get a bigger split of snaps thanks to a decreased role from Brian Robison.
That’s not to say that Robison isn’t effective anymore or is losing a step, but head coach Mike Zimmer loves a fresh rotation of pass rushers and, with a solid training camp and preseason, Danielle Hunter could prove to be too valuable to be sitting on the sidelines.
Mike Zimmer has put some big praise on Hunter in the past, including a statement on Vikings.com that is very flattering.
"“You just see flashes of things and hope they keep going forward,” Zimmer said. “That’s kind of what he’s done. He shows flashes and then takes the next step and then the next step. If he continues on, then he has a chance to be a good player.”"
Next: Minnesota Vikings 2016 NFL Draft class
What do you think the Minnesota Vikings should do with Danielle Hunter? Should they leave the rotation at defensive end the same? or should the team make a conscious effort to increase his playing time this year? Leave your ideas in the comments below.