4 players who may not fit with the Vikings new offense or defense

Kenny Willekes – DE

Kenny Willekes played with his hand in the dirt the last couple of seasons, but he will now be asked to rush the passer from a vertical standpoint. While that doesn’t seem like a big deal for Willekes at first blush since he did do that in college, there are some issues that arise that could make this transition a difficult one for the hard-working defensive lineman.

The biggest issue facing Willekes is his lack of elite athleticism. The guy just isn’t a physically gifted or imposing player. He doesn’t have the explosive get-off of other edge rushers on the team, and isn’t the fastest, nor does he have the bend to get around would-be blockers. Willekes has always gotten by on sheer will, and desire and that may not be enough.

The guy has a motor that just doesn’t quit and a determination to succeed and quell his doubters. He overcame the naysayers in college and again in the pros, and even came back after a devasting ACL injury. One has to wonder, though, will that lack of athletic ability finally catch up to him?

Willekes may be better suited as a pass-rushing defensive end in a 4-3 front where he doesn’t have to have that explosiveness to get by. It’s still likely he will make the Vikings’ roster this year, but he could also be one of the final cuts as the team looks for a more pure and explosive rusher to keep.

Willekes has overcome odds in the past, and he’ll have to do it again, as his fit in this new defense may not be a great one.