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With the current pandemic canceling Pro Days around the country, we have seen a massive influx of NFL Draft hopefuls taking to social media to host their own virtual Pro Days or post highlight tapes in an effort to showcase their skills. Back in late March, Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes put out his own highlight reel, featuring him doing a series of impressive athletic demonstrations. At least one NFL GM was impressed by Willekes’ showing, telling Ian Rapoport of NFL.com that his version of the virtual Pro Day was “the most effective.”
Here is Rapoport’s tweet:
Of all the internet videos/virtual Pro Days, this — by Michigan St DE Kenny Willekes — was brought up to me by a GM as being the most effective. And after watching it… easy to see why. https://t.co/62ygLXE2ot
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 14, 2020
To me, what makes this such an effective video isn’t just that the display itself was impressive (which it was), but the video was made in a very deliberate, effective manner. While Willekes was highly regarded as a college football defender, he hasn’t received the same respect in the draft process, with most critics citing a lack of athleticism.
Well, Willekes certainly silenced a few doubters with this video. For someone who also broke their leg the season prior, this is an impressive workout.
Watch it below:
"Not athletic, below-average athleticism for edge rusher"
"Physical tools don't jump off the page"
"Isn't a good athlete"
"Has pedestrian physical gifts”
Shhhh Just watch… pic.twitter.com/LpvLpzBu9C— Kendrick4️⃣8️⃣ (@kennyw97) March 26, 2020
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