Minnesota Vikings: Predicting individual awards for 2019
By Luke Parrish
Most Valuable Player: Danielle Hunter
The Vikings pride themselves on their defense. Kirk Cousins has all the expectations given his contract and the weapons at his disposal. But still, the defense takes the cake. Mike Zimmer is known for that side of the ball, and rightfully so. They have been a top-five defense in each of the last three seasons.
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Danielle Hunter has been a huge reason for that. The “Most Valuable Player” title is often reserved for the best player on the roster. Hunter is arguably the most talented physical specimen that the Vikings have. Regardless of where he falls in that conversation, though, he is the most important piece in 2019.
Hunter is entering his fifth NFL season and third as a starter. He has 40 career sacks in just 33 starts and 62 games played. His 14.5 sacks last season were tied for the fourth-most in the league. Hunter has incredibly long arms and a powerful body, making him a dominant outside rusher. He is also an incredible all-around athlete. He recorded 72 tackles in 2018, including 21 for a loss. He hit the quarterback 19 times as well.
When the Vikings take the field in 2019, Hunter will hold the keys to their success. His presence in the backfield is vital. Not to mention, Everson Griffen will be back this season to take some of the pressure off of Hunter. Hunter has yet to enter his prime and is already one of the deadliest pass rushers in the NFL.