As the NFL Top 100 continues, the Vikings had two more players crack the list on Tuesday night. Danielle Hunter and Dalvin Cook both rightfully made the list, joining three of their Vikings teammates in the top 100.
Eric Kendricks - 83
Harrison Smith - 64
Kirk Cousins - 58
Danielle Hunter - 40
Dalvin Cook - 21
It really wasn’t a question whether or not Hunter and Cook would make the list, it was more a matter of placing them amongst their peers. Hunter came in as the 40th best player of the 2019 season, his second season with 14.5 sacks.
The “create-a-player” term could not be used better for anyone on the Vikings roster. What Hunter brings to the table will be critical for the Vikings to find success in 2020. With a lot of young and unestablished players along the defensive line, Hunter will need to step up and be a leader for the positional group.
Cook was the highest rated Viking on the list at 21 after a breakout season. He ran for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns and had an additional 519 yard receiving. Although he is currently going through contract negotiations with the Vikings, Cook showed up to training camp on time this week.
Although he isn’t happy with his contract, what Cook does on the field is magical. The injury concerns are there, but when he’s healthy Cook is one of the better running backs in the entire NFL. The Vikings will need Cook on their roster in 2020 if they want to continue to find success in Gary Kubiak’s outside zone scheme.
Every year it seems as if the Vikings have a few names left off the NFL Top 100, as most teams probably feel as if they have players snubbed as well. This year, Anthony Harris is the biggest snub, as he led the NFL in interceptions and rated as the highest rated safety according to PFF.
Adam Thielen continues to go unnoticed as well, although he was hurt for nearly half of the season last year. The Vikings landed five total players in the NFL Top 100, with only a couple names being left off the list this year.
For the full list, visit https://www.nfl.com/network/shows/nfl-top-100.