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Minnesota Vikings: 5 Players who could earn first Pro Bowl nod

By Joe Kipp

(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 17: Eric Kendricks #54 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball after intercepting Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter of the game on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kendricks scored a touchdown on the play. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 17: Eric Kendricks #54 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball after intercepting Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter of the game on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kendricks scored a touchdown on the play. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

4. Eric Kendricks, Linebacker

One of the staples of the Vikings’ 2015 Draft, Eric Kendricks has been one of their most consistent players of the past three seasons. Often outshined by fellow linebacker Anthony Barr, whose made three Pro Bowls himself, Kendricks has yet to garner enough recognition despite his incredible play on the field.

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Although not recognized by most fans, the Vikings clearly noticed his performance in the form of a new five-year, $50 million extension ($25 million guaranteed) to remain with Minnesota before becoming a free agent next season.

Last season, Kendricks recorded a career high in tackles with 113, while simultaneously leading the whole team. He’ll look to continue that success in 2018 as he ascends into one of the best linebackers in the NFL.

3. Danielle Hunter, Defensive End

Danielle Hunter is one of the freakiest athletes in the entire NFL, a unicorn in terms of pure talent. Not many people are capable of what he can do on a football field. Like Kendricks, Hunter was drafted in 2015 and also signed an extension this offseason. The deal included $72 million for five years, with $40 million guaranteed.

The Vikings made Hunter a full-time starter last season, and he started all 16 games. Yet, even after three seasons of progression, it’s clear he still hasn’t hit his peak. Hunter relied heavily on his athleticism rather than technique earlier in his career.

At just 23 years-old he still has plenty of room to grow. This is a guy who was the youngest player in the NFL when he was drafted. With Everson Griffen across from him, whose been a three-time Pro Bowler himself, the Vikings have a dominant pair of bookend pass rushers for the future. Hunter’s story is still being written, and there’s plenty of pages left to write on.

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