Kenny

Willekes

The Steelers also released LB Kenny Willekes and LS Jake McQuaide and waived RB Evan Hull, CB Kam Alexander, S Quindell Johnson, DB Kyler McMichael, DB Mikey Victor, OG Doug Nester, OT Julian Pearl and TE Kevin Foelsch. The two biggest names here are Woodside and Hull. Both players will likely be offered tryouts and/or practice squad spots at some point.

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.

Willekes (6'4/254) is locking to lock in a Day 3 selection for the draft. While an active, productive player in college, the Michigan State product faces real athleticism questions. He was unable to truly answer those questions at the combine, posting a SPARQ athletic score in just the 32nd percentile of NFL edge rushers. If Willekes is to stick in the pros, his motor, toughness and football IQ will have to carry the day.

And you had concerns about Willekes’ strength. Those 32 reps tied Khalil Davis for the second most among all defensive lineman, and the most of anyone who is likely to play on the edge. The rest of the testing for the 6-foot-3, 264-pound defender, but this is a strong start to Willekes’ week in Indianapolis.

Willekes (6'4/254) was an extremely productive player for the Spartans, picking up at least 8.5 sacks in his last three years with the program. Zierlein calls him “smart, tough and relentless with good hand usage,” and notes that he’s a sure tackler once he gets in range. Unfortunately, he also notes that he’s a below-average athlete, and calls his foot speed “plodding.” As he notes in his overview: "[Willekes] become a very impactful college player against all odds, but lacks the athletic profile to stick around long-term as a pro.

A force of a 4-3 DE in the Big 10 the past three years, Willekes (6'4/254) is being tested as a 3-4 OLB this week. “He’s doing good with the transition,” said Detroit Lions DL coach Bo Davis, Willekes’ North team coach. “It takes a little bit to get used to, but he’s doing a good job.” Willekes finished with between 8.5-10.5 sacks in each of the past three seasons. But he has short arms -- the shortest (31 1/4 inches) of all DL in Mobile -- and stiffness that prevents him from bending the edge with origami precision that sensei NFL scouts demand. Because of this, his pre-draft process is very important. He needs to show well in this event and during athletic testing in the spring.

Willekes (6'4/260) has been a force in the Big Ten for three seasons. In each of his three years as a starter, Willekes has beefed up his sack total, starting at seven in 2017, then 8.5 in 2018, and finally 10.5 in 2019. Willekes does not have the natural bend around the edge that most elite pass-rushers do, but he gets off the line of scrimmage well and sports an array of pass-rush moves that can keep offensive tackles guessing. Expect Willekes to be a Day 2 pick.

The Burlsworth Trophy, named in honor of the late Arkansas offensive lineman, is awarded to the best former walk-on in college football. Willekes (6'4/260) accounted for 69 total tackles, nine sacks and one forced fumble this season, earning second team all-Big Ten honors. Willekes will play in the final game of his Michigan State career December 27 when the Spartans take on Wake Forest in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl.

Michigan State’s defense was dominant in the Spartans’ 28-7 win over Tulsa, and Willekes (6'4/260) was one reason why. The redshirt senior finished the game with 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. One of the recoveries occurred in the end zone, giving Willekes the first touchdown of his Michigan State career.

Michigan State’s entire defense bludgeoned Tulsa in every way, but Willekes shined particularly bright. Willekes was constantly in the Tulsa backfield and even put himself on the board as a scorer. One of his two fumble recoveries was picked up in the Tulsa end zone for an immediate Michigan State touchdown. Western Michigan may give Willekes and the Spartan defense a tougher time next week, but look for the senior pass-rusher to continue making an impact throughout the season.