From the Ranks to the Rack: D.J. Wonnum's Game-Changing Approach to the Detroit Lions' Draft Strategy

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 19: D. J. Wonnum #98 of the Carolina Panthers pressures Justin Fields #7 of the New York Jets during the game on October 19.

2025 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Nine days into the 2026 free agency period, the Detroit Lions finally signed an edge rusher, as they came to an agreement with D. J.

Wonnum on a 1-year contract with a reported value of up to $6 million . Let’s take a closer look at the Lions’ newest defensive end and why he’s more likely to be a replacement for Marcus Davenport than Al-Quadin Muhammed. Origin story Wonnum found the field at South Carolina as a true freshman, playing in all 13 games.

As a sophomore, he was named a starter and team captain, and would hold both roles for the next three seasons. Wonnum never put up gaudy statistics at South Carolina, but his size, length, and athletic profile helped him get drafted in the fourth round (pick No. 117 overall) by the Minnesota Vikings.