The Vikings now have one of the best pass rushing duos in the entire NFL thanks to a trade that occurred over the weekend. The pairing of Danielle Hunter with newly acquired Yannick Ngakoue should give fans a flashback of of The Purple People Eaters.
Mike Zimmer addressed the media on Tuesday and talked about the newest member of the Vikings.
“He’s a guy that’s had a lot of statistics as far as forced fumbles and sacks,” Zimmer said. “He’s another pass rusher to add to our group so we’re excited to have him.”
Hunter has traditionally played the left defensive end position, meaning the right side would be the open side for Ngakoue. Zimmer was asked about this during his press conference as well.
“Is it okay if I just see him at practice one day,” Zimmer asked followed by a laugh.
The pairing of two elite pass rushers is valuable in the NFL and it should take some of the pressure off the youth at the cornerback position. Zimmer talked about the luxury of having both players going after opposing teams’ quarterbacks.
“It makes both sides account for them. A lot of times if you have one guy there, they chip him and use a tight end or a back to block,” Zimmer said. “If they end up singling guys you get some more favorable matchups.”
The Vikings needed depth along their defensive line, and they were able to get another young star at one of the most important positions on the field. Both Hunter and Ngakoue are under the age of 26, meaning this could be the start of a long career in purple for both players.