Vikings pick DE Danielle Hunter to improve pass rush
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters
Follow the action with our NFL Draft Tracker, which includes all seven rounds, scouting profiles, trades and rumors.
The Minnesota Vikings have selected defensive end Danielle Hunter out of LSU in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Minnesota traded down with this pick twice on Friday and still managed to get a decent pass rusher.
Head coach Mike Zimmer continues to build an impressive defense. The Vikings already added corner Trae Waynes and linebacker Eric Kendricks with their first two picks.
Hunter will no doubt be counted on to make Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Jay Cutler very uncomfortable when they take on Minnesota.
Danielle Hunter Bio
Position: DE
School: LSU
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-5
Weight: 252 lbs.
Age: 20
Combine Results
| Event | Result |
|---|---|
| 40-yd Dash | 4.57 sec |
| Bench Press | 25 reps |
| Vertical Jump | 36.5 inches* |
| Broad Jump | 130 inches* |
| 3-Cone Drill | 6.95 sec* |
| 20-yd Shuttle | 4.47 sec* |
*Pro day result
Strengths
- Explosive first step off the line of scrimmage, giving him an immediate advantage over the opposing offensive tackle on the edge.
- Has the change-of-direction ability to step back inside in his pass rush and create the quickest path to the quarterback.
- Tests as a highly impressive athlete, giving him some potential to develop in the areas of his game that will be considered raw.
Weaknesses
- Possesses the strength and length to deliver a punch at the snap and maintain his position against the run, but struggles to disengage and make a play on the ball.
- Doesn't have a wide array of pass-rush moves, often getting stopped at the line if he can't get to the quarterback on his first attempt.
- Lack of production at the college level, recording just 4.5 sacks over the past two seasons.