5 Vikings to be excited about for the 2022 season
By Adam Carlson
D.J. Wonnum, defensive end
The door is wide open for D.J. Wonnum to show he can be a starter for the Minnesota Vikings. He did pretty well filling in for the injured Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen this season but might be ready for more responsibility.
Danielle Hunter’s future with the Vikings is uncertain and Everson Griffen has been focusing on his mental health. If neither returns for the 2022 NFL season, that means Wonnum could become a starter by default along with a rookie or young player already on the roster.
Wonnum played in all 16 games of the season so far and started 13 of those contests. In those games, he accumulated 40 tackles, 13 quarterback hits, six sacks, four pass defenses, and one forced fumble.
It wouldn’t be shocking if Minnesota decided to use a top draft picks on a pass rusher to pair with D.J. Wonnum going forward. He may not be able to replace Danielle Hunter, but he is young, talented, and athletic enough to be solid and keep developing into his role.