According to Next Gen Stats, the Vikings got good value in James Lynch and Kenny Willekes on Day three of the NFL Draft.
Lynch, a pass-rushing defensive tackle out of Baylor, along with Willekes, a Michigan State defensive end who’s adept at getting into the backfield, were listed among Next Gen Stats’ “Day 3 Hidden Gems.”
The outlet said to “watch out for these eleven players, who all possess intriguing traits as day 3 selections” when listing Lynch and Willekes among other players. It seems like both Lynch and Willekes had very good numbers for where they were drafted.
2020 #NFLDraft Day 3 Hidden Gems
Who are the top prospects still available based on the results of the Next Gen Stats draft model? Watch out for these eleven players, who all possess intriguing traits as day 3 selections. pic.twitter.com/If03FffjG6
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) April 25, 2020
Lynch had 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss for Baylor in 2019. Willekes had 10.5 sacks and 16 tackles for a loss with Michigan State in his final collegiate season.
If those two pan out, it would be a big boost for the Vikings, considering the team saw big departures at both defensive tackle and defensive end in the offseason. Defensive tackle Linval Joseph signed with the Chargers. Reserve defensive end Stephen Weatherly left for the Panthers.
And Everson Griffen announced on Instagram that he would be leaving the Vikings. He has yet to sign with another team.