How much better can Danielle Hunter get in 2020?
By Dean Jones
How does Hunter compare with other top puss-rushers?
There is little doubt that Danielle Hunter is one of the premier players operating at defensive end in the NFL today. His statistics over the last two seasons are up there with any other player in the league.
Hunter finished fourth on the 2019 sack list behind Shaquil Barrett, Chandler Jones, and Cameron Jordan. This followed a strong 2018 campaign that saw him tied for fourth in the NFL with Denver Broncos edge rusher Von Miller.
Hunter was ranked No. 8 among edge rushers by Pro Football Focus in 2019. Given his overall impact for the Vikings, this could have left Hunter with a slight chip on his shoulder that he will no doubt use as inspiration when competitive action gets underway next season.
Pass-rushers with the quickness, technique, and power of Hunter do not grow on trees. His run stuffing and tackling has also improved vastly, making him one of the most accomplished players at his position.
Hunter has age on his side and he potentially has a decade of production left barring serious injury. Players with his ability tend to come on again from age 25 to 29 and this bodes extremely well for the Vikings.
There are very few players, if any, Mike Zimmer would take in place of Hunter. He is a ferocious presence on the line of scrimmage and he has the talent to match anyone in the NFL.