As defensive end depth became a problem this offseason, the Vikings went out and attempted to fix part of the issue in the NFL Draft.
Minnesota picked South Carolina defensive end D.J. Wonnum in the fourth round of the draft, going at No. 117 overall.
Defensive end Everson Griffen announced on Instagram earlier this offseason that he was leaving after he voided his contract with the team.
Griffen told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network “never say never” about a possible return to the Vikings. However, a source told Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press that Griffen wanted to get the word out to teams that he was available, even though there was still a chance he would return to the Vikings this offseason. So Minnesota should at least prepare for Griffen to not come back.
Not only that, but Stephen Weatherly, a reserve defensive end, left in the offseason for the Panthers. Maybe a new reserve can step into Griffen’s starting role, but Wonnum can at least add some competition for the spot.