Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Michigan State edge defender prospect Kenny Willekes
Kenny Willekes | EDGE | Michigan State
Elevator Pitch
A high-motored walk-on who defied the odds and became highly productive for Michigan State, Willekes has the determination and the work ethic to outplay his draft positioning at the next level. While average athletic traits will limit his ceiling, he’s an intelligent and refined rusher who should stick on an NFL roster.
Vitals
Height | 6-3
Weight | 264
College Bio Page
Career Stats
Strengths
If there’s one thing Willekes has plenty of, it’s determination.
Willekes fights hard on every snap and doesn’t stop fighting to get to the ball until the whistle. He keeps his legs churning and works to get inside hand leverage when engaged with blockers. He uses his hands well, as he has a solid arsenal of pass-rushing techniques in which he showcases solid quickness and a sound plan when he rushes the quarterback. Blockers can struggle against him when he gets leverage, as he plays with good pad level and has the strength in his lower body to drive them backwards.
Though not a speed demon in space, Willekes is a consistent tackler, regardless of whether he’s engaged with a blocker or is facing up to a ball carrier in the open field. He’s fairly slippery too, as he can rip and dip past blockers and attack their set points with precision. His production in college is also certainly impressive: he had 23.5 sacks and 49 tackles for a loss in the three seasons he played.
Weaknesses
There’s a bit to like in Willekes’ game, enough that he should be able to be a solid contributor for an NFL team. However, it’s unlikely he’ll become anything more than that. His physical tools don’t jump off the page, as his athleticism is below average for the edge rusher position. His lateral agility prevents his range as a tackler and his effectiveness as a stand-up rusher, and his straight-line speed prevents him from making more plays in space.
Willekes can do a better job of plugging up holes against the run, in that he can enhance his ability to hold blocks and preventing opponents from sealing him off. His counter moves, while showing some promise, could stand to improve a little bit more.
Projection: Day 3
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