placeholder image

Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports


49ers hold pre-draft interview with Michigan State DL Kenny Willekes over FaceTime

Mar 27, 2020 at 7:12 PM--


Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
The San Francisco 49ers held a pre-draft interview with Michigan State defensive lineman Kenny Willekes via FaceTime, according to Justin Melo of USA Today's NFL Wire Network (h/t to Niners Wire).

Melo reports that Willekes also recently spoke with the New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, and New York Giants.


Pre-draft interviews are being held virtually over video chat software, like Apple's FaceTime, as the NFL continues to observe social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic. The 49ers held a similar interview this week with TCU offensive lineman Cordel Iwuagwu.

RELATED 49ers 2020 Pre-Draft Visit/Meeting Tracker

Willekes racked up 78 tackles in each of his final two seasons with the Spartans. He got to opposing quarterbacks 18 times, recorded 36 tackles for a loss, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and even had an interception and a touchdown during his final two seasons at Michigan State.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, the 6-foot-3 and 264-pound Willekes had a 40-time of 4.87 seconds, a vertical jump of 32.5 inches, a broad jump of 119 inches, completed the three-cone drill in 7.39 seconds, and 32 reps in the bench press. Other measurables for Willekes include an arm length of 31 1/4 inches and hands that measure 9 1/2 inches.

Below is the NFL.com draft profile bio on Willekes:

An All-Michigan pick as both a linebacker and running back after his senior year of high school, Willekes (pronounced WILL-uh-KISS) still had to walk on at MSU. He immediately showed his worth on the scout team in 2015, earning the squad's player of the week award six times -- more than anyone else. Willekes only played in one game, though, in 2016 due to the Spartans' depth but exploded on the scene as a sophomore. He led the team with 14.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 2017 (73 total tackles), grabbing third-team All-Big Ten honors. League coaches named him their Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2018 after he finished in the top 10 nationally with 20.5 tackles for loss and led MSU with 8.5 sacks among his 78 stops. He suffered a broken left fibula in the team's bowl game, however, which kept him from jumping to the NFL. Willekes showed the toughness to return for all 13 games in 2019, garnering second-team all-conference notice after leading the Spartans with 16 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks among his 78 total stops (he also caused and recovered two fumbles).

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote the following about Willekes within his scouting report:

Willekes has packed on the pounds and the production since arriving at Michigan State as a walk-on. He's a high effort worker-bee with a relentless nose for the football. His refusal to give in until the whistle is more responsible for his success than his size or athletic traits. He's neither quick nor explosive, but he's very instinctive and has an above-average understanding of blocking scheme and play development. He's become a very impactful college player against all odds, but lacks the athletic profile to stick around long-term as a pro.

Joe Marino of The Draft Network wrote the following about Willekes within his scouting report:

Racking up 47.5 tackles for loss and 22 sacks from 2017-2019, Wilekes has been a highly productive defender for Michigan State. He plays with unmatched urgency and is highly competitive. While he may not have the highest ceiling, Willekes does have a high floor as a 4-3 defensive end. His modest play strength and athleticism will present challenges defeating blocks in the NFL and he'll need to become more reliant on his technique which has room for growth. At a minimum, Willekes should be a valuable rotational end and his upside is contingent on if he can get stronger and become more nuanced.

Measurables


Height: 6-3
Weight: 264 lbs.
Arm length: 31 1/4 inches
Hand length: 9 1/2 inches

NFL Scouting Combine


40-time: 4.87 seconds
Vertical: 32.5 inches
Broad jump: 119 inches
3-cone drill: 7.39 seconds
Bench press: 32 reps

College Statistics
Year School Class G Solo Ast Tot Loss Sk
2015 Michigan State FR -- -- -- -- --
2016 Michigan State FR 1 -- -- -- 0.0 0.0
2017 Michigan State SO 13 33 39 72 13.0 5.5
2018 Michigan State JR 13 35 43 78 20.5 8.0
2019 Michigan State SR 13 31 47 78 15.5 10.0
Total Michigan State 99 129 228 49.0 23.5



Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News


placeholder image

49ers hold private workout for former Ohio State DB Amir Riep ahead of draft

By David Bonilla
Mar 22

Former Ohio State cornerback Amir Riep played at Lincoln University in Oakland, California, last season. His last season with the Buckeyes was in 2019. While he was dismissed from the program after being charged with rape, the defender was ultimately found not guilty. Now, he aims to prove he can play in the NFL. Justin Melo of The Draft Network reports that the San Francisco 49ers recently flew Riep out for a private in-person


placeholder image

49ers conduct pre-draft interview with Arkansas OL Beaux Limmer

By David Bonilla
Mar 25

Justin Melo of The Draft Network reports that the San Francisco 49ers recently conducted a virtual interview with former Arkansas offensive lineman Beaux Limmer. After focusing on defense in free agency, the Niners are likely looking to bolster their offensive line through the 2024 NFL Draft, which begins in a month. As Melo states, Limmer's 39 bench press reps were the most of any player at the NFL Scouting Combine this year. USC offensive lineman Jarrett Kingston ranked second with seven fewer. Let's talk @RazorFootball IOL Beaux


placeholder image

49ers GM John Lynch attends Michigan Pro Day

By David Bonilla
Mar 22

As expected, Michigan's Pro Day has a significant NFL presence. The event features 18 draft-eligible players from the national champion's roster. Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy reports that San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch is among those in attendance. Lynch is one of nine general managers on hand to evaluate the draft hopefuls. PRO-DAY UPDATE: Only fitting that national champs @UMichFootball, with record 18 Combine invitees, have biggest NFL turnout for pro-day.Here's list of NFL attendees who'll


placeholder image

49ers to host USC WR Brenden Rice on pre-draft visit

By David Bonilla
Mar 21

Justin Melo of The Draft Network reports that the San Francisco 49ers will host USC wide receiver Brenden Rice on a pre-draft visit in Santa Clara. The 49ers were among the teams that met with Rice, the son of Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, at the NFL Scouting Combine. #USC WR Brenden Rice has completed a 30 visit with the #Chargers, per an NFL personnel team source.Rice met with the


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone