Chicago Bears: Defensive prospects to watch at Senior Bowl

4. OLB Kenny Willekes, Michigan State

Another outside linebacker, Kenny Willekes may not be overly explosive but he is excellent when it comes to stopping the run. On every snap, he plays with a high motor and showcases his versatility.

The main components of Willekes game are the fact that he’s proven time and time again that he’s able to process plays really well and that he can play either inside linebacker or outside linebacker. At the next level, his best fit may end up being as an outside linebacker which would be ideal since he’s shown time and time again that he can be reliable when it comes to getting after the quarterback.

While Willekes started his career at Michigan State back in 2015, he really burst onto the scene between 2017 and 2019. Over this three year period, he had 23.5 sacks, 49 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. His production is off the charts and he’s got everything it takes to be a riser during Senior Bowl week, so it’s not hard to see why the Bears need to keep an eye on him.

As of right now, Willekes appears as if he could hear his name called in either the third or fourth-round. While he is a physical player, adding a bit more muscle to his frame would allow him to take on bigger offensive lineman at the NFL level.