Ourlads Insider Panthers Depth Chart Panthers Roster

Kenny Willekes | 48

DE | Michigan State | Michigan Panthers
Ht: 6036 / 6' 04" | Wt: 264 | Upd: 03/29/2025

Vitals

Birth Date: 07/22/1997
Age: 27
Original Team:
UFL Entry:
UFL Exp:
Depth Chart Key:
Team History: MICH
Original NFL Team: MIN
NFL Entry: 20 07 225
NFL Exp: 4
NFL Team History: MIN

Player History

N/A

Player History (NFL)

07/20 MIN D/C signed
09/20 MIN IR
08/21 MIN waived
09/21 MIN P/SQ 0-7
10/21 MIN activated 7
11/21 MIN P/SQ 8
11/21 MIN activated 8
11/21 MIN P/SQ 9
11/21 MIN activated 9
11/21 MIN Covid-19
11/21 MIN P/SQ 10-12
12/21 MIN activated 12
12/21 MIN P/SQ 13
12/21 MIN activated 13
12/21 MIN P/SQ 13-16
01/22 MIN activated 16
01/22 MIN P/SQ 17
01/22 MIN activated 17
06/22 MIN waived/injured
06/22 MIN IR
05/23 MIN waived

Ourlads' Profile:

2020 Guide: What Ourlads' Scouting Services said about KENNY WILLEKES: Michigan State, 6036 264 4.89. Three-year starter, Rockford, MI. A three-time All Big 10 performer and the conference’s 2018 Defensive Lineman of the Year. Production was through the roof over those three seasons, totaling 41 tackles for loss, 26 sacks, and 229 tackles. He was a consistent force, plain and simple. He was a walk-on for a reason and he may come into the NFL with a similar type-label. He lacks tools across the board and will need to find ways to defy the odds. A team will likely need to put him in a 3-4 outside linebacker role where he can continue to line up wide and play the angle game he did in college. Can be a stud special teamer who can be given time to enhance his tool set. Low to the ground style with an established and refined skill set that can make up for physical shortcomings. Uses his hands exceptionally well to control the blocker and prevent him from locking on. Gets to the quarterback in a variety of ways, able to change his skin at the snap of a finger. Plays through the whistle all the time. Can be counted upon to make plays away from the ball. Very active and disruptive against the run that will make his presence known on contact. Lacks ideal speed and burst. Can be swallowed up by bigger, quality blockers and rendered completely ineffective. Needs the extra step in adjustments to the action, lacks a loose base to fluidly flow. Doesn’t have the natural power when facing off against tackles.2019 stats: 78 T, 16 TFL, 10.5 sacks, 17 QBH, 2 FF, 1 FR (1 TD). Edge speed:left 2.11, right 2.18. OSR:14/25. Sixth/ seventh round. (A-31 1/4, H-9 3/4, BP-32, 10-1.69).