6 best Vikings players from the first half of the 2019 season

Danielle Hunter – DE

After he had just 4.5 sacks during his college career at LSU, the Vikings were probably just hoping that Danielle Hunter would turn into a solid pass rusher when they selected him in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Well, Hunter has definitely turned into a solid piece of Minnesota’s defense since his arrival four years ago. However, his evolution as a pass rusher actually has him on pace to becoming one of the best defensive ends to ever suit up for the Vikings.

Eight games into his fifth season with Minnesota, Hunter is already on pace to surpass the career-best numbers he put up in 2018.

So far this season, the Vikings defensive end has already accumulated eight sacks. He’s also racked up a total of 39 tackles (10 for a loss), 13 quarterback hits, and 21 pressures.

Given that he’s still just 25-years-old, it’s quite possible that Hunter hasn’t even hit his peak as a pass rusher. He not only has the chance to end his career as one of the best defensive ends in Minnesota history, but in NFL history as well.