4 biggest unsung zeros for the Minnesota Vikings in 2021

D.J. Wonnum – DE

D.J. Wonnum is still a young player, and maybe that is why he has flown under the negativity radar. While there is some truth to that, the Vikings needed someone to step up and fill the void left by Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen, and no one has done that. Wonnum had an opportunity to take that role and run with it, but he is very much the same player he showed as a rookie.

Wonnum is an extremely streaky player who will be very good one week and then disappear the next. He’s seen a lot more snaps this season, but his production hasn’t improved much.

Wonnum has three sacks on the season and 27 total tackles. He’s registered three tackles for a loss and has hit the quarterback eight times. He hasn’t been horrible, but the team simply has needed more from him.

Wonnum is young and could still develop into a premier pass rusher. The fact he hasn’t been able to capitalize on his increased opportunities is a bit frustrating. He definitely deserves more blame for the defense’s inability to close out games.

If he was getting pressure late in contests and hitting the quarterback or forcing him to get the ball out quicker than he wants to, maybe some of these teams wouldn’t be able to claw their way back, nor would every game be decided on the final play.