Vikings Snap Counts: Rookie D.J. Wonnum shines yet again for Minnesota

If the Minnesota Vikings do one thing well, it’s developing star defensive linemen.

Everson Griffen was a fourth-round pick by Minnesota in 2010. The Vikings drafted Danielle Hunter in the third round of the 2015 draft. And defensive line guru Andre Patterson might have found his latest gem in the fourth round of 2020.

Selected 117th overall out of South Carolina, D.J. Wonnum’s stock is growing exponentially as his rookie season progresses. Wonnum exploded onto the scene in Week 8 when he smacked Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the final seconds of the Vikings’ 28-22 win and forced a game-sealing fumble.

In Week 10, the former Gamecocks star was a difference-maker once again. Wonnum played 38 of Minnesota’s 50 defensive snaps (56%) — the fourth time in five weeks he’s been on the field for over half of the plays. Wonnum was credited with two tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack and a game-high three quarterback hits.

According to Pro Football Focus, 20 of Wonnum’s 38 snaps were in pass-rushing situations. The rookie tallied five pressures in those 20 snaps. Now that’s productivity.

Even more impressive, Wonnum played the third-most snaps among defensive ends, as he’s still a backup. Jaylyn Holmes (78%) and Ifeadi Odenigbo (76%) are holding on to their starting roles … for now.

We’re not going to start preparing Wonnum’s bust in the Vikings Ring of Honor just yet, but three sacks through eight career games — without a single start – indicate Patterson has another talented pupil ready to haunt the dreams of NFC North quarterbacks.

Other notes from Monday’s snap counts:

— Wide receiver Chad Beebe played 22 snaps (30%), his fourth game this season with 20+ snaps. He was targeted twice on third down and caught both passes for 16 yards. He moved the chains on one of his catches.

— In his second game with the Vikings, cornerback Chris Jones played 30 snaps (60%) and collected three tackles.

— Backup running back Alexander Mattison was on the field for five snaps, just the second time this season he didn’t reach double digits in snaps. He carried the ball twice for four yards.

— With Irv Smith Jr. missing the game due to a groin injury, Tyler Conklin filled in as the Vikings’ 1B option at tight end to Kyle Rudolph’s 1A. Playing 63% of the snaps (46 of 73), Conklin hauled in two catches for 11 yards.

— Second-year tight end Brandon Dillon was elevated from the practice squad and made his season debut in Chicago. He played one snap. Dillon appeared in one game for the Vikings last season and played seven snaps.

— Not only did safety Josh Metellus recover a muffed punt by Chicago’s Dwayne Harris in the third quarter, but he also appeared in one defensive snap — the second time he’s been used in Zimmer’s defense this season.

WEEK 10: AT BEARS (OFFENSE)

WEEK 10: AT BEARS (DEFENSE)