How much better can Danielle Hunter get in 2020?
By Dean Jones
Hunter’s influence on Minnesota’s defense
Danielle Hunter’s influence on the Vikings defense cannot be underestimated. He is arguably their best player and he is a dominant force in running and passing situations.
This is a defense that is loaded with talent, but it could have a different look to it by the time OTAs come around this year. A series of big names are set to depart either via free agency or release to relieve Minnesota’s expected salary cap restrictions.
Any significant makeover would put even more pressure on Hunter to produce. Opposing coaches will now make him the focal point of their plan to prevent him from making game-changing plays. This is something he will be forced to deal with for the remainder of his career.
There is nothing to suggest Hunter cannot cope with the extra attention. He regularly received double teams last season on a Vikings defensive front that included Linval Joseph and Everson Griffen.
Griffen is expected to come back for 2020, which would be a massive boost for Hunter. The pair have formed a close relationship and the former USC standout has been a massively positive influence on Hunter’s development.
Hunter has a natural ability to get after the quarterback with a rare combination of speed and power. His technique has improved tremendously during his time in the NFL that has only enhanced his overall importance to the organization.
This is a big year for Minnesota and they will be heavily reliant on Hunter to produce the goods once again if they are to make a return to the playoffs.