NFC North power rankings: Who is the best pass-rusher?

Hunter is the poster boy for why drafting for traits over raw college stats is the right way to go about business in the NFL Draft. Despite just 4.5 sacks at LSU, Hunter has quickly become one of the game’s speediest and most effective pass-rushers, recording 14.5 sacks in consecutive seasons while making the Pro Bowl both times.

To play defensive end in Mike Zimmer’s defense, you need to be able to bend the edge, move around to several different spots, and be comfortable with defending the run. Luckily for Minnesota, Hunter excelled in all three aspects last season.

Despite his role as the premier pass-rusher for a team that is no stranger to the playoffs, Hunter has flown under the radar a touch, possibly due to his lack of boisterousness.

Even though Hunter isn’t going to be his own cheerleader, the film and the stats show that he has evolved from a toolsy speed rusher into an elite, complete defensive end, which serves as a testament to Zimmer and the Minnesota coaching staff.