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EXPLORING VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
A HISTORY OF RICK SPIELMAN'S DRAFT TRADES
KENNY WILLEKES
HEIGHT/WEIGHT/AGE
6-foot-3
265 pounds
22 years old
BIG PICTURE
A Michigan native who stayed in state to play for the Spartans, Kenny Willekes went the full five years at Michigan State including a redshirt freshman season. Once he got an opportunity in 2017, he ran with it, playing over 2,000 snaps the next three seasons, racking up 23.5 sacks and an all-time program high 51 tackles for loss, per MSU's stats. Haled as an excellent run defender, Willekes was named first-team All-Big Ten twice. Earned a Senior Bowl invite and participated at the combine with average results. Scouts constantly speak about his motor, which is how Willekes will have to compensate for a lack of god-given athleticism.
COMBINE NOTABLES
4.87 40-yard dash
32 bench reps (T-2nd)
32.5-inch vertical (T-8th)
119-inch broad jump (T-8th)
7.39 3-cone drill
VIKINGS' COMPATIBILITY RANKING
2.5 out of 5. May not fit the Vikings' desired athletic thresholds despite tremendous college production.
HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT DRAFT EXPERTS SAY
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: "Willekes has packed on the pounds and the production since arriving at Michigan State as a walk-on. He's a high effort worker-bee with a relentless nose for the football. His refusal to give in until the whistle is more responsible for his success than his size or athletic traits. He's neither quick nor explosive, but he's very instinctive and has an above-average understanding of blocking scheme and play development. He's become a very impactful college player against all odds, but lacks the athletic profile to stick around long-term as a pro."
Joe Marino, Draft Network: "Racking up 47.5 tackles for loss and 22 sacks from 2017-2019, Willekes has been a highly productive defender for Michigan State. He plays with unmatched urgency and is highly competitive. While he may not have the highest ceiling, Willekes does have a high floor as a 4-3 defensive end. His modest play strength and athleticism will present challenges defeating blocks in the NFL and he’ll need to become more reliant on his technique which has room for growth. At a minimum, Willekes should be a valuable rotational end and his upside is contingent on if he can get stronger and become more nuanced."
WHAT PFF SAYS
80+ run defense grades each season
73 hurries last two seasons combined
90.5 overall grade as junior
CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE:
EXPLORING VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
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