NFL Mock Draft 2020: Way-too-early look at projected first round

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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DE/OLB. Michigan State. Kenny Willekes. 29. player. 51.

The Big Ten’s defensive lineman of the year in 2018 decided to return for his senior season in East Lansing, eschewing what likely would have been a day two selection in this year’s draft. It could all pay off for him, though, as another quality collegiate season could see him break into the first round range.

Not many players in the country were more productive than Kenney Willekes last year. He led all edge rushers in college football last season with 23 quarterback hits. He had an absurd 20.5 tackles-for-loss that included 8 sacks. He was an All American and All Big Ten performer, and should be on the shortlist for a number of awards entering the season.

The Rams brought back Dante Fowler on a one-year contract, but did little else to bolster their pass rushing off the edge. Aaron Donald is the best defensive player in football, and led the NFL in sacks last year as a defensive tackle, but they haven’t gotten a lot of production off the edge. Imagine how dominant Donald might be if the Rams had quality edge rushers flanking him?

Edge rusher was thought to be a primary need for LA in this draft, but they didn’t select one with their eight picks.

At 6-foot-4 and 262 pounds, Willekes has the size to play in either defensive scheme, but he would especially be a nice fit in Wade Phillips’s defense.