Despite Detroit selecting Derrick Moore in the second round there’s still a pathway for DJ Wonnum to be the full-time starter
With training camp just around the corner, one of the most intriguing position battles on the Detroit Lions’ roster is at edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Ever since Hutchinson established himself as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers, Detroit has been searching for a reliable running mate who can consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. The Lions hope they may have found that answer in second-round rookie Derek Moore, but veteran D.J. Wonnum shouldn’t be overlooked. In fact, there’s a strong case that Wonnum opens the season as Detroit’s starter.
Detroit signed Wonnum this offseason to a one-year contract worth up to $6 million, giving the Lions an experienced and affordable option at one of their biggest positions of need. While Moore represents the future, Wonnum brings six years of NFL experience and a proven track record that could earn him the first opportunity.
The 29-year-old has spent time with both the Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers, starting 54 games during his career. He has totaled 30 career sacks, including back-to-back eight-sack seasons earlier in his career, while adding 142 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 59 quarterback hits and 15 pass deflections. Those numbers don’t make him an elite edge rusher, but they do show he’s capable of being a productive starter.
One of the biggest reasons Detroit targeted Wonnum may have been his ability to defend the run. Last season, he logged 271 run-defense snaps compared to only 83 for Al-Quadin Muhammad, highlighting the type of role the Lions envision for him. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has emphasized stopping the run, and Wonnum’s experience on early downs makes him a natural fit.
Availability is another major factor working in his favor. The Lions have watched injuries derail their defensive line over the past two seasons, most notably with Marcus Davenport, who struggled to stay healthy during his time in Detroit. Wonnum, meanwhile, has appeared in at least 14 games in every season except one. Sometimes the best ability truly is availability, and that reliability carries significant value over a 17-game season.
The contract itself also reflects Detroit’s thinking. Wonnum’s deal is incentive-based, meaning he’ll have to earn the full $6 million through his production. It’s another low-risk move by general manager Brad Holmes that provides quality depth without making a major financial commitment.
Wonnum entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick by Minnesota in 2020, playing primarily as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. During his two seasons with Carolina, he also gained experience standing up as an outside linebacker in the Panthers’ 3-4 defense, adding versatility that could benefit Detroit in different defensive packages.
His advanced metrics from last season leave room for improvement. He earned a 54.7 overall PFF grade, including a 49.9 pass-rush grade and a 60.3 run-defense grade. Statistically, he finished with 26 solo tackles, three sacks, 22 defensive stops, 25 quarterback hurries and two batted passes while playing 688 defensive snaps.
During OTAs, both Wonnum and Moore split first-team reps, making it clear the competition is far from settled. Moore has the athleticism and upside to eventually claim the job, but experience often matters early in training camp.
My prediction is that Wonnum enters Week 1 as Detroit’s starting edge rusher opposite Hutchinson. Even if Moore earns a larger role as the season progresses, Wonnum has the experience, durability and versatility to make an immediate impact. Don’t be surprised if he finishes the year with at least four sacks while providing the steady presence Detroit has been searching for on the edge.
