Vikings DE Danielle Hunter tabbed as a breakout player for 2018
By Adam Carlson
Peter Schrager of Good Morning Football named 5 breakout players for 2018 and that list included Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter.
It’s a little odd to think of Danielle Hunter as a breakout player after he signed a 5-year, $72 million contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings this week, but the defensive end is getting that designation from a prominent NFL mind.
During a broadcast of Good Morning Football, analyst Peter Schrager revealed his list of the Top 5 players who are set for a breakout season this year, and Hunter was the number two player on the countdown.
Entering his fourth year in the NFL and his second year in a starting capacity with the Vikings, Hunter has already established himself as a pass rusher. In his three seasons so far, the former LSU standout has accumulated 25.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 defensive touchdown.
Considered to be a raw prospect when joining Minnesota, Hunter is only 23 years old and has already shown his ability to learn and develop quickly under the guidance of Mike Zimmer and the team’s coaching staff.
With all the talented players on the defensive line, Hunter should have every possible opportunity to put in the best season of his career and continue to grow opposite Everson Griffen as dynamic and athletic pass rushers.
The only player listed higher than Hunter on the list is Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who will be thrust into a starting role after the team lost their starter from last year to the Washington Redskins.
The list rounds out with Arizona Cardinals defensive back Budda Baker at number five, pass rusher DeForest Buckner of the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth spot, and Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett at number three.
Next: Predicting the Vikings 2018 record
Congratulations to Danielle Hunter on his big contract extension and getting recognized for being a player who is ready to take another step in his career. The Minnesota Vikings are lucky to have the former third-round draft pick and he should be a key part of the team’s defense for many years to come.