Biggest NFL x-factors for all 32 teams

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 10: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates in the second half against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Detroit Lions 19-17. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 24: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Jabrill Peppers #21 of the New York Giants in action against the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium on October 24, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. New York Giants defeated the Carolina Panthers 25-3. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Vikings: OLB Danielle Hunter

It has been a tricky few years for one of the league’s better pass-rushers. A third-round draft choice in 2015 from LSU, defensive end Danielle Hunter racked up an impressive 54.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries (2 returned for touchdowns) in his first five seasons with the Vikings. He also earned Pro Bowl honors in 2018 and ‘19.

But Hunter missed all of 2020 with a herniated disc. He bounced back to start the club’s first seven games this past season and totaled six sacks. But he missed the final 10 contests with a torn pectoral muscle. Now the 27-year-old pro looks to make the switch to outside linebacker in new coordinator Ed Donatell’s unit. But with Za’Darius Smith now in the fold, Hunter could be primed for a bounce back year.

New England Patriots: S Jabrill Peppers

You will recall that University of Michigan Safety Jabrill Peppers was the second of three first-round draft choices by the Cleveland Browns back in 2017. And while Myles Garrett and David Njoku are still with the club that originally selected them, Peppers was dealt to the New York Giants in 2019 in part of the deal that sent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to Cleveland.

Now the five-year veteran defender is on the move again. Versatile players have always been a favorite of Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick. Limited to only six games a year ago, Pepper had a solid 2020 as he finished with 91 stops, two takeaways, a forced fumble and 11 passes defensed. He could be a difference maker for a New England defense that slumped down the stretch in 2021.

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