5 most explosive players on the Minnesota Vikings defense
By Nik Edlund
![NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints is pursued by Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints is pursued by Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fthevikingage-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1197690587-850x560-bae4e207241a49a6bb3c972d0a49934e9a3845d52e1839442e9ab3c13cd9c8c9.jpg)
Danielle Hunter – DE
No list of explosive Vikings defensive players would be complete without Danielle Hunter on it. Yes, this guy is coming off a year where he had neck surgery and missed an entire season. Detractors could say that could cause him to have a down performance in 2021, but the opposite is more likely to happen.
Hunter is going to come out hungry and ready to prove that he’s healthy and worth that hefty contract extension he’s looking to get from Minnesota.
In 2018 and 2019, Hunter had back-to-back seasons with 14.5 sacks. This guy is so powerful and quick that he simply can’t be blocked at times.
If teams try to double-team him, that’ll leave Dalvin Tomlinson singled up, and he can blow up the middle. It’ll be a pick your poison type of game plan and that should lead to plenty of opportunities for Hunter.
Hunter isn’t just good rushing the passer, he’s also a beast against the run. He has great patience and he will read the play before blowing up the ball carrier. He’s an all-purpose defender who routinely makes explosive game-changing plays for Minnesota’s defense.
Trending. 5 most explosive players on the Vikings offense. light
Hunter was sorely missed a season ago, but his return will rejuvenate the entire defense. He could have his best year yet, exploding his way to the top of the sack list in 2021.