2020 NFL Draft Results: Minnesota Vikings select Kenny Willekes

With the first of their four seventh-round selections in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings have added another talented edge player for Andre Patterson to mold.

Kenny Willekes

Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Date of Birth: 22 July 1997 (22 years old)

College: Michigan State University

Drafted: Round 7, #225 overall

Height: 6’ 4”

Weight: 260 pounds

Career Accomplishments: First-team All-Big Ten (2018, 2019), Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year (2018)

Twitter handle: @kennyw97

With Pick #225 in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings have selected defensive end Kenny Willekes from Michigan State University.

Willekes had an outstanding career in East Lansing, as he was named to the All-Big Ten first team in both 2018 and 2019. He was also named the B1G’s Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2018 as a junior.

Jordan Reid of The Draft Network has PLAYER ranked as the #16 edge defender and the #127 overall player on the Big Board in his Draft Guide. Here is his evaluation of Willekes.

A testament of hard work and staying the course, Kenny Willekes was the definition of what remaining disciplined and reaping the benefits of an intense work ethic can do for a player. Taking advantage of his time spent on the scout team, he furthered his game while going against the starters. The leader of the Spartans defense, he was the spark plug of the entire group. While he isn’t the bendiest or most urgent rusher, his sheer determination will enable him to make a roster. Role and scheme fit will be essential for him because he doesn’t fit a lot of schemes, but in the right one as a standup outside linebacker, he could be a key depth piece that turns into a starter down the road.

Welcome to Minnesota, Kenny Willekes!