Former LSU defensive end [autotag]Danielle Hunter[/autotag] has made Fox Sports’ list of the top 10 edge rushers in the NFL.
Hunter played for the LSU Tigers in 2013 and 2014. He played in 26 games over those two seasons as he made 130 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Those numbers led to him being picked with the No. 88 overall pick in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
Hunter has been with the Vikings ever since. He has appeared in at least one game in eight out of his nine seasons for the Vikings. He has played in 103 games making 362 tackles and 73 sacks. Hunter was listed as the No. 10 edge rusher in the NFL by Fox Sports.
Hunter has four seasons with double-digit sack numbers despite spending his entire career in Minnesota through varying schemes. Now in Brian Flores’ defense, Hunter will be the first elite pass-rusher Flores has led as a coordinator or head coach.
“This is really the first time that I’ve been around a guy who I think will consistently win one-on-ones,” Flores told me.
Hunter, as a result, should be featured even more in the defense this year, opposite Marcus Davenport. Those two should open up more one-on-one opportunities for each other and force offensive lines to make some tough decisions. The Vikings blitzed the second-most of any team in Week 1 and if that continues, Hunter could put up even bigger numbers. His single-season career best is 14.5 sacks. He’s made the Pro Bowl three times. I would think this year he ends up making a fourth if he stays healthy.
Hunter had three tackles and a sack in the Vikings’ Week 1 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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