Round 5, Pick 149
DE Kenny Willekes
Michigan State
The Dallas Cowboys are trading up for this one. It’s clear they absolutely need a defensive end this draft and they’ve devoted a lot of energy in scouting the edge position this year. According to reports, they’ve met with 11 edge guys. By far their most interviewed spot on the field.
That’s why K’Lavon Chaisson makes sense if Dallas stays at 17 and that’s why Zack Baun makes sense if they trade back a little. In this scenario, Dallas goes other directions early and still needs to find that edge player they’ve been searching for. There’s some urgency since we’re well into Day 3, and that’s why Dallas packages their 5th rounders and moves up to get a guy they’ve had their eye on.
Kenny Willekes is 6-foot-4, 252lbs. He’s quick and explosive – two qualities you can’t teach. But he’s raw, doesn’t have many pass-rush moves or counters in his arsenal, but those you can teach. Be sure to watch his video below:
"Not athletic, below-average athleticism for edge rusher"
— Kendrick (@kennyw97) March 26, 2020
"Physical tools don't jump off the page"
"Isn't a good athlete"
"Has pedestrian physical gifts”
Shhhh Just watch... pic.twitter.com/LpvLpzBu9C
Willekes is a good tackler and a great single-minded weapon with solid pass rush production. On the Dallas Cowboys he fits a variety of places but primarily as a wide pass-rusher (either in 3-4 as an OLB or as a wide-9 DE in a 4-3) He even looks like he could play some SAM in the base defense. Think of him as a Kyle Wilber type with better natural ability.