Jug of Snyder
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Minnesota Purple Perfect for Kansas State Linebacker

By Stan Unruh

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view before the start of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view before the start of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kansas State linebacker Elijah Lee expects to wear purple again this fall. The Minnesota Vikings selected him in round 7 of the NFL Draft.

It was busy day for Wildcats in the draft. Jordan Willis went to Cincinnati in round thee on Friday.
Bill Snyder will find it difficult to replace Willis and Lee.

Lee joins former Wildcat Terance Newman in Minnesota. That is perfect for the young linebacker.

Oct 22, 2016; Manhattan, KS, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Shane Buechele (7) completes a pass against Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Elijah Lee (9) during a game at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. The Wildcats won, 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Manhattan, KS, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Shane Buechele (7) completes a pass against Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Elijah Lee (9) during a game at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. The Wildcats won, 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports /

The Vikings did not have a pick in round one of the draft. They sent that pick to Philadelphia for quarterback Sam Bradford.

The NFL report on the pre-draft needs in Minnesota did not mention linebackers. On the other hand, the Vikings were wise to add Lee to their roster.

In January, Kansas State fans were somewhat surprised when they learned Lee wanted to leave early for the NFL.

A look at his stats shows just how difficult it will be to replace him.

He was in on over 100 tackles last season.

At 6’ 3” inches tall and 228 pounds, Lee was in on 72 solo tackles last season and named first-team All- Big 12.

In early April,  CBS indicated Lee was a potential 6th or 7th round selection.

They were correct. I expected him to go earlier but I never understand how these teams make their player evaluations.

There were just too many positive qualities for the Vikings to pass on him.

In addition to his athletic ability, he also earned All-Big 12 Academic Honors in 2015.

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Lee’s bio according to the Kansas State Athletic site describes him as a high-motor player. That is an understatement.

In addition to Willis and Lee, Dante Barnet signed with Denver, Charmeachealle Moore with the Los Angeles Chargers and Deante Burton with Atlanta as undrafted free agents.

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