Kenny

Willekes

Willekes was drafted by the Vikings with the 225th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The former Michigan State Spartan missed all of 2020 with an injury but appeared in six games for the Vikings in 2021. Willekes totaled 18 tackles, two TFLs and 2.5 sacks last season but has been waived after another health setback this offseason.

Willekes (6'3"/264) started 31 consecutive games in four redshirt years after walking on with the Spartans, recording 73 tackles and seven-plus sacks on an average 714 snaps in each of his last three seasons. Arguably this class’ best run defender off the edge, Willekes was rewarded for his maniacal work ethic with the Burlsworth Trophy for the nation’s top walk-on in 2019, adding back-to-back Michigan State MVP honors to boot. One of the most accomplished players in the history of the school’s illustrious program, it’s worth noting Willekes’ poor athletic testing across the board is a red flag. Word to the wise: we still wouldn’t bet against him carving out a rotational role.