DJ Wonnum
#98 LB · Detroit Lions
1 transaction this offseason
Height
6'5"
Weight
258 lbs
Age
28
Draft
2020, Rd 4, #117
Experience
7 yrs
LB Rank
#76 / 338
N/A
CVIA
B-
N/A
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The Verdict on DJ, in One Read
On the field, DJ Wonnum grades out as a strong LB for Detroit Lions (B- Performance). That places him 76th of 338 graded linebackers. The public read is very positive (A Sentiment), drawn from current news and social signal rather than the box score.
Career StatsB-
| Year | Team | GP | Tkl | Sacks | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 86 | 250 | 30.0 | 1 |
| 2025 |  | 16 | 42 | 3.0 | 1 |
| 2024 | | 8 | 37 | 4.0 | 0 |
| 2023 |  | 15 |
Contract terms haven't been reported.
Performance Analysis
B-
#76 of 338 LBs
FCA+
Stacked against the LB field, D.J. Wonnum grades out at a B- performance level for Detroit. The gap between his media narrative and on-field output is instructive: while coverage frames him as a legitimate starting-caliber edge defender, his 2025 season production of 42 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 INT across 16 games reads as solid depth-starter material rather than a dynamic pass rusher. His most credible strength is tackle volume—42 stops reflects consistent snap participation and assignment discipline—but the sack total of 3 is where the résumé deflates; that's replacement-level edge production for a player the Lions marketed as a purposeful roster move. The durability is there (full 16-game slate), and his career total of 30 sacks carries real weight, but the 2025 numbers suggest he's functioning as a reliable cog in Detroit's defensive machine rather than the difference-maker the cautiously optimistic sentiment implies. At 28 and in his sixth NFL season, Wonnum is squarely in his prime window, and the Lions' concurrent additions of linebacker Jack Campbell and defensive linemen signal they're building around him as part of a defensive overhaul—a vote of confidence that his B- grade tempers with the reality that he'll need elevated 2026 performance to justify that organizational belief in a 9-8 team chasing postseason traction.
Performance vs. NFL Position Average
Tackles/Game2.63
Above AvgNFL Avg: 2.19 · Elite: 7.32
How DJ Compares at the Position
DJ Wonnum ranks 76th of 338 graded linebackers by performance. That slots DJ between Elandon Roberts (B-) just ahead and Nakobe Dean (B-) just behind.
Graded higher
Elandon RobertsLas Vegas RaidersB-Uchenna NwosuSeattle SeahawksB-Anfernee JenningsNew Orleans SaintsB-DJ WonnumB-
Graded lower
Nakobe DeanLas Vegas RaidersFan Sentiment
A
Very Positive
NegativeNeutralPositive
Lions add serviceable edge depth in a rotational signing with limited upside. Multiple outlets frame Wonnum as former Panthers starter, suggesting solid backup credentials. His unrestricted free agent status signals no market competition, a mild red flag. Fans view this as routine depth reinforcement rather than transformative defense help. Detroit's pass rush competition remains wide open entering training camp.
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About this player
DJ Wonnum is a player in his 7th NFL season listed at LB for the Detroit Lions. FanVerdicts covers every NFL player, team, GM, and transaction — and puts your verdict on all of it. Sign in to cast your Fan Verdict on DJ Wonnum, see where the crowd lands, and argue the call. FanVerdicts also brings its own read — performance, sentiment, and Contract Value Index — as one honest input alongside the crowd's. Where FanVerdicts has weighed in so far: Performance B-, Sentiment A.
The crowd's Fan Verdict moves in real time as fans vote on this profile. FanVerdicts' own read updates as new data lands — performance recalculates when NFL game stats post, sentiment shifts with media coverage and fan discussion, and the Contract Value Index recomputes when contract terms change.
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