Kansas State Should Ignore First Round NFL Draft Snub
By Stan Unruh
Why did NFL teams pass on Kansas State defensive end Jordan Willis in the opening round of the draft? They passed on all but one Big 12 player Thursday night.
Kansas State football’s great tradition of players going in the NFL Draft will continue this weekend. The longest NFL draft streak among Big 12 schools belongs to the Wildcats.
Despite what some anticipated, no team took Jordan Willis in round one. Teams selected five other defensive ends or ‘edge rushers.”
On the other hand, except for Kansas City, the NFL guys passed on everyone on the Big 12 Conference.
Does this tell us anything about Kansas State football and the conference? Probably, but we may not want to know.
I’m not the first to admit I don’t understand some of the selections in Thursday night’s opening round of the draft.
It’s such a crazy process and it is similar in all professional sports. The how and why teams take this or that player is very strange.
Everyone has a theory on when to take a specific position player or when to wait. For example, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper never believes teams should draft a running back in the first round.
First and foremost, respect for Bill Snyder’s coaching and the publicity for Kansas State is why I wish a team drafted Willis in Thursday night’s opening round.
I was not surprised defensive end Myles Garret was the overall #1 pick. When you compare Willis with what Garret did at the NFL combine, Garret looks good but not that much better. I thought Willis’ performance in the Senior Bowl would make a difference. It obviously didn’t.
Next: K-State Sophomore on NBA Early Entry Draft List
Kansas State fans should look past Thursday’s round one. It’s not that important.
Chicago took the ‘Cats Cody Whitehair in round two last season. In 2008, the Packers stole Jordy Nelson in round two. Willis is ready to make another NFL coach very happy.