Michigan State DE Kenny Willekes drafted in 7th Round by Minnesota Vikings

It took a little longer than many expected, but after extending their streak of having a player drafted each year in the NFL Draft to 80 years, Michigan State finally has a second player drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft in defensive end Kenny Willekes. Willekes was taken 225th overall in the 7th round by the Minnesota Vikings.

It was a bit of a surprise to many, including myself, that Willekes lasted until the final round of the draft before getting selected. As SpartansWire writer Wil Hunter pointed out, it is extremely rare to see a Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year drafted so low. In fact, it simply hasn’t happened in the last 10 years:

Big Ten Defensive Linemen of the Year draft spots
Chase Young – 1.2
Kenny Willekes – Not drafted as of 7.223
Nick Bosa – 1.2
Tyquan Lewis – 2.64
Joey Bosa (x2) – 1.3
Shilique Calhoun – 3.75
John Simon – 4.129
Devon Still – 2.53
Ryan Kerrigan – 1.16
Jared Odrick – 1.28

— Wil Hunter (@Wil__Hunter) April 25, 2020

In my opinion, the Vikings got an absolute steal of a pick here with Willekes, who I think will be able to compete from day one in Minnesota.

Here is the draft announcement from the NFL Draft Twitter account:

Round 7, No. 225 overall: @Vikings select @MSU_Football DE Kenny Willekes.https://t.co/tPA1AjqNDH#NFLDraft

— NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) April 25, 2020