Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter being out is a blow to the Minnesota defensive line.
But it could be worse, because the Vikings acquired a premier edge rusher via trade that should prevent any major setbacks at that position.
The team landed Yannick Ngakoue, who paired with Ifeadi Odenigbo, would make for a good edge rush. Ngakoue hasn’t been on the Vikings too long, but Minnesota co-defensive coordinator Andre Patterson had high praise for the defensive end, saying that he has “been better than I ever dreamed.”
“He’s come in early, he’s stayed late,” Patterson said of Ngakoue, via Sean Borman of Vikings Territory. “He’s got a great hunger for knowledge and wanting to be good. I’m excited that he’s here even more after having these days of working with him.”
With Hunter out, a lot will be asked of Ngakoue right away. It will be interesting to see what kind of Vikings debut he makes.