Monday Morning Mailbag: Hunter's Rise to Stardom & Kyle Hinton's Potential

[Viktor]

Back to Irv and Ifeadi, I do expect both to have bigger roles in 2020. I've covered Ifeadi quite a bit in the Mailbag over the past few weeks, as he is a not name that would be the starting defensive end opposite Hunter right now. I'd say that Ifeadi just needs to be Ifeadi and bring the energy and passion he always has. Maybe he doesn't reach the same sack total, but if that means he's still pressuring the QB, the Vikings will love that.


As for Irv, he had 36 catches for 311 yards and two scores in his rookie year, all while being asked to play a key part of the offense. I imagine Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak and tight ends coach Brian Pariani will ask even more of him in 2020 and he will gladly accept the challenge of stepping up. Perhaps he doesn't reach 1,000 receiving yards, but his impact will be felt and I expect an uptick in each of his stats.


Kyle Hinton could be another late round steal. Six-foot-2, 295 pounds, 34 reps at 225 on the bench, 4.88 in the 40[-yard dash], 4.66 [in the] shuttle drill. Great character and work ethic. Scholar athlete — Honor Roll. Threw the hammer and discus. You need great footwork for these events. All his perceived weaknesses can be coached out of him. I hope no one steals him from the practice squad.


— Gerald Goblirsch


Gerald, I think you're spot on with these thoughts on Hinton. He was the 15th and final draft pick, so he may have been lost in the shuffle a little bit since he was a seventh-round selection, but the athleticism traits appear to be there. He also played at a D2 school (Washburn University), which may be why he didn't get picked until the final round.