Every NFL team’s breakout star for this season

Breakout NFL candidates for 2023: Minnesota Vikings – D.J. Wonnum

The Minnesota Vikings are kind of in flux. This team felt like a true contender based on the record they had for most of the season. Do we even remember that this team was 13-4 at the end of the season? The playoffs ended with such a dud, it feels like an end of an era for this. This is a team that dominated at times, but a loss to the New York Giants in the playoffs ruin all good feelings about the franchise.

D.J. Wonnum was one of the players that some thought might get traded or cut, but that seems unlikely after the Vikings traded Za’Darius Smith. Now, Wonnum actually has an opportunity with Smith playing in Cleveland. Despite not living up to the hype, Wonnum has an opportunity. He will get even more opportunities to succeed if Danielle Hunter is absent from the team.

Wonnum is playing with confidence this offseason, seeing the team give him more reps after injuries and trades. That confidence will bleed into the regular season, and the Vikings will get the pass rusher they hoped for. Sure, it took four seasons, but better late than never!

Wonnum is just one year removed from leading the team in sacks. He was stuck in a reserve role last season, but he is primed to get to double digit sacks this season.