What the Vikings can expect from D.J. Wonnum in 2020?

What to expect from Wonnum in 2020

There’s a lot to like about D.J. Wonnum at first glance. While many might not have had him on the radar, he fits the type of player the Vikings like to target in the later rounds of the draft.

With a solid athletic profile and decent production at South Carolina, it looks like there is something to work with in terms of a long-term profile.

That’s all co-defensive coordinator Andre Patterson needs to draw the best out of him. As the mind behind developing rushers such as Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter into Pro Bowl studs, Patterson should help to eliminate the deficiencies in Wonnum’s game and help him take a step forward as he gets more comfortable in the NFL.

As for the present, Wonnum stands to be a role player that can come in as a pass-rushing specialist. The rest of his game can be developed with time, but using him on the edge, in the middle of the line, or even as a sub-package linebacker is something that should ease the loss of Stephen Weatherly.

It’s unlikely that Wonnum will become the next version of Hunter, but he should be able to carve out a decent role in the Vikings defense next season.