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K-State Football: Wildcats Who Could Be Selected in 2017 NFL Draft

By Leigh Oleszczak

K-State football players leave the field as one following their 42-21 victory over against Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
K-State football players leave the field as one following their 42-21 victory over against Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Carter Stanley (9) runs from K-State football defensive end Jordan Willis (75) – Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Carter Stanley (9) runs from K-State football defensive end Jordan Willis (75) – Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports /

K-State football has a long streak of getting at least one player from their school drafted into the NFL. This year should continue that streak, as there are three members of last year’s team that should hear their name called.

The Kansas State Wildcats had a nice season in 2016, notching a 9-4 record and a win over Texas A&M in the Texas Bowl. It was another great season for Bill Snyder and company, but now the seniors (and some juniors) will be moving away from Manhattan and heading to the pros.

According to NFL.com, there are three prospects from K-State who have a serious chance of being drafted. Scout Fantasy lists six Wildcats eligible for the draft.

In other words, K-State football should see at least one of their own get drafted by an NFL team at the end of the month. Let’s take a look at the Wildcats who could be selected in the 2017 NFL Draft.

JORDAN WILLIS, DE

The best KSU draft prospect this year is easily Jordan Willis, who had four standout years at Kansas State University. Willis took strides each season and improved his game mightily, which could make him a Day 2 selection.

CBS Sports pegs Willis as a second or third round pick, which wouldn’t be surprising in the least bit. While NFL.com praises Willis, they note that he’ll definitely have to work his way up whatever roster he lands on and likely won’t be an immediate starter.

I had the Kansas City Chiefs drafting Willis in the third round in one of my mock drafts, stating,

"Willis had a nice final season with the Wildcats, accounting for 52 tackles (17.5 for loss) and 11.5 sacks. He was the anchor for the K-State defense and is a good tackler, something that the Chiefs need moving forward."

There are a lot of positives to Willis’ game, and NFL.com notes that Bill Snyder referred to him as “the epitome of Kansas State football”, which is about as nice of a compliment as you can get from Kansas State’s best coach ever.

Jordan Willis, the 2016 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, will be the first Wildcat drafted this year.

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