Danielle Hunter, defensive end, Minnesota Vikings
Hunter will have turned 22 once the 2017 regular season comes calling. He’s also coming off a 12.5-sack performance for Minnesota last season. He was 21 — just old enough to drink alcohol legally in the states. This is how talented the former LSU star is. And that doesn’t even take into account his awe-inspiring tape from a season ago.
@Vikings DE Danielle Hunter has 18 1/2 sacks the past 2 seasons with under 1000 snaps…Imagine the production when he starts pic.twitter.com/QPnNx5WjZo
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) February 18, 2017
Some might argue Hunter is already a superstar. But that is far from the case right now. He’s started a grand total of one game in two seasons and has been tasked primarily with a pass-rush specialist role. Expect this to change in 2017.
In reality, there’s absolutely no reason for Mike Zimmer and Co. to keep Hunter off the field for anything more than a breather. He’s the most gifted defender Minnesota has and boasts 20-plus sack potential. This young kid is an absolute stud, and he’s going to be well on his way to superstardom in 2017. There’s no other way to go about it.