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2017 NFL Draft: Kansas State Jordan Willis Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Nov 26, 2016; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Carter Stanley (9) runs from Kansas State Wildcats defensive end Jordan Willis (75) during a game at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. The Wildcats won the game, 34-19. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Carter Stanley (9) runs from Kansas State Wildcats defensive end Jordan Willis (75) during a game at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. The Wildcats won the game, 34-19. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kansas State’s Jordan Willis is an edge player who has flashed the ability to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback.

Jordan Willis one of several good defensive edge prospects available in the 2017 NFL Draft. He features a good build including long arms and thickness in the lower half. His arm length plays a major role in his success as a pass rusher.

Willis does a great job gaining inside hand placement and working off blocks. He has heavy enough hands to disengage and keep blocks off his frame. Willis also shows the upper body strength needed to press and get his arms extended.

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His ability to dip his shoulder and turn the corner gives him the ability to turn the corner. Willis also knows when to use his arm to knock the blocker off balance and help him gain leverage.

The issue is Willis doesn’t show elite explosiveness or quickness off the line of scrimmage. He isn’t the type of edge rusher who’ll be able to consistently win with speed. Willis needs to gain a step with good snap awareness and overall technique.

Kansas State often asks their defensive ends to work out of a wide-9 alignment. This allows the defensive ends to focus on getting up-field. Willis was able to use this alignment to get a quicker jump off the line and generate pressure.

He also shows good overall awareness and ability to bat balls down at the line of scrimmage.

In the run game, Willis uses his hand placement to create space and disengage. He has a solid anchor but could do a better job maintain low pad level.

We have seen players with less than ideal quickness develop into top-flight pass rushers. However, they typically fell in the draft because of their athletic profile. The combine will be important for Willis because he will have a chance to show he’s more explosive than what appears on tape.

Current Draft Range: Late-3rd Round

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