Vikings.com is continuing its Xs and Os series on draft picks with the defensive line.
EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings defensive line room will look a little different during the 2020 season.
With the departures of Linval Joseph (Chargers) and Stephen Weatherly (Panthers) in free agency and Everson Griffen terminating the remainder of his contract to become a free agent, Minnesota brought in veteran defensive tackle Michael Pierce and turned to the NFL Draft.
The Vikings used three of their Day 3 selections on the position group, snagging a pair of defensive ends in D.J. Wonnum and Kenny Willekes and adding defensive tackle James Lynch.
Vikings Director of College Scouting Jamaal Stephenson said during the draft that Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach Andre Patterson is "going to bring the best out of them."
Here's a deep dive on how each of the drafted defensive linemen could figure into Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer's defensive scheme:
Player Profile: DE D.J. Wonnum, South Carolina, Senior
Wonnum, who measured 6-foot-5 and 258 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, was selected by Minnesota with the 117th overall pick. He started 30 of 43 games played at South Carolina and served as a team captain in 2019. Wonnum last season earned Second-Team All-SEC honors from TheAssociated Press after recording 37 tackles, including 9.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
He was named the Gamecocks 2019 Comeback Player of the Year after being limited to just five contests in 2018.
ESPN analyst Louis Riddick called Wonnum a "value pick" for the Vikings in the fourth round.
"He plays with tremendous heavy hands in the run game, and in the pass game he has tremendous cornering speed," Riddick said. "He has the ability to get to that high-side pad, use his hands and then close on the quarterback and finish."
View images of Vikings fourth round draft pick South Carolina DE D.J. Wonnum .
Texas A&M wide receiver Christian Kirk (3) attempts to elude South Carolina defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum (92) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, in Columbia, S.C. Texas A&M defeated South Carolina 24-13. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
South Carolina defensive end D.J. Wonnum runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
South Carolina defensive end D.J. Wonnum runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
South Carolina defensive end D.J. Wonnum poses before running the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
South Carolina defensive end D.J. Wonnum runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
South Carolina defensive end D.J. Wonnum runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Carolina defensive end D.J. Wonnum runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Carolina defensive end D.J. Wonnum runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Carolina defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
South Carolina defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
South Carolina defensive lineman D J Wonnum runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
South Carolina defensive end D.J. Wonnum poses for a headshot during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
South Carolina linebacker D.J. Wonnum (8) sacks Kentucky quarterback Sawyer Smith (12) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. South Carolina defeated Kentucky 24-7. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
South Carolina linebacker D.J. Wonnum (8) sacks Kentucky quarterback Sawyer Smith (12) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. South Carolina defeated Kentucky 24-7. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
South Carolina defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw (3), Aaron Sterling (15) and D.J. Wonnum (8) share a laugh during warm-ups before an NCAA college football game against Kentucky Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. South Carolina defeated Kentucky 24-7. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Clemson's Tavien Feaster (28) rushes for a touchdown while defended by South Carolina's R.J. , left, and D.J. Wonnum during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in Clemson, S.C. Clemson won 56-35. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's Tee Higgins pulls in a pass while defended by South Carolina's D.J. Wonnum during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in Clemson, S.C. Clemson won 56-35. . (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller (28) runs for a gain as South Carolina linebacker D.J. Wonnum (8) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Clemson's Tee Higgins pulls in a pass while defended by South Carolina's D.J. Wonnum during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in Clemson, S.C. Clemson won 56-35. . (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
NCAA college football defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum of South Carolina is interviewed during the Southeastern Conference Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Thursday, July 19, 2018. (AP Photo/John Amis)
FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, file photo, Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks (13) attempts to elude South Carolina defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Columbia, S.C. The Southeastern Conference is filled with young quarterbacks this season, with many teams putting their offenses in the hands of freshmen or sophomores. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford, File)
NCAA college football defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum of South Carolina is interviewed during the Southeastern Conference Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Thursday, July 19, 2018. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Michigan running back Chris Evans (12) gets tripped up by South Carolina defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum (8) as defensive back Chris Lammons (3) closes in during the first half of the Outback Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
South Carolina defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum (8) and Taylor Stallworth (90) react after a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Clemson on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, in Columbia, S.C. Clemson defeated South Carolina 34-10. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
South Carolina defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum (8) pursues Florida quarterback Malik Zaire (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Columbia, S.C. South Carolina defeated Florida 28-20. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks (13) runs with the ball between South Carolina defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum (8) and Keir Thomas (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) is tackled by South Carolina's Kobe Smith (97), D.J. Wonnum (8), and Skai Moore (10) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
FILE -- In this Oct. 14, 2017 file photo, Tennessee running back John Kelly (4) is hit by South Carolina defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Knoxville, Tenn. Kelly may be getting a little assistance as he returns from his one-game suspension. Ty Chandler and Carlin Fils-aime rushed for a combined 193 yards last week, providing hope they could diversify Tennessee's rushing attack and ease Kelly's workload when the Volunteers host Southern Mississippi. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)
Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks (13) attempts a pass under pressure from South Carolina defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Columbia, S.C. South Carolina defeated Florida 28-20. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Tennessee running back John Kelly (4) runs for yardage as he's hit by South Carolina defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum (8) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee running back John Kelly (4) runs for yardage as South Carolina defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum (8) chases in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks (13) attempts to elude South Carolina defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Columbia, S.C. South Carolina defeated Florida 28-20. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Florida quarterback Austin Appleby (12) is stopped for a 1-yard loss by South Carolina defensive lineman Kelsey Griffin, left, and defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Potential Impact:
Wonnum is joining a Vikings defensive ends group that is returning Danielle Hunter and Ifeadi Odenigbo, who saw significant playing time in 2019. Stacy Keely signed with Minnesota as an undrafted free agent last spring, and the Vikings also added Eddie Yarbrough and Anthony Zettel.
Stephenson called Wonnum "self-made" and said he possesses several traits that Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer and Patterson look for in defensive ends.
Stephenson specifically pointed to South Carolina's games against Georgia and Kentucky. Wonnum tallied 3.0 sacks for 25 lost yards against the Wildcats.
"When you turn on the tape, you watch him against Georgia and those two offensive tackles (Isaiah Wilson and Andrew Thomas), and he played really well in that game. That was kind of our litmus test for a lot of these defensive linemen," Stephenson said. "Then you watch him against [Kentucky], and that was one of his better games.
"That one kind of put him on the map," he added. "He's long, he's athletic, he's very coachable, a good kid off the field, so he fits the Viking mold, for sure."
Coachspeak:
"I'm excited about this young man. He's long, he's athletic, he can run, but most importantly, he's very smart. … I know everyone out there is trying to compare him to Danielle Hunter because their numbers are similar. But people forget, the year after we took D, we took Stephen Weatherly. They had the same type of numbers as far as height, length and athleticism. Those guys are hard to find that fit all that criteria. So this young man had that. I was excited that we were able to get him, so now it's just a matter of him going to work and me going to work and trying to bring the best out of him. I want him to become the best D.J. Wonnum that he can become. I don't want him to be the next Danielle Hunter; I'm not trying to make him the next Danielle Hunter. I'm trying to make him the best D.J. Wonnum that he can be. And I think if we can get that to happen, all of us will be very happy to have this guy on our team."
— Vikings Co-Defensive Coordinator Andre Patterson
Film Breakdown: Former Vikings linebacker and coach Pete Bercich, now a Vikings Radio Network analyst, analyzed some of Wonnum's tape from South Carolina.
Bercich pointed out that drafting defensive linemen in the fourth round is nothing new for the Vikings, who also have selected Griffen (100th overall), Johnson (109th) and Holmes (102nd) there.
"Pass rushing is really his forte, and I think a couple of things make him so good," Bercich said. "Number one is his ability to get off the football – he's quick off the ball – and secondly, he's able to apply pressure to an offensive lineman and then use different moves, like the swim, to get around them."
Bercich highlighted a play from South Carolina's game against Georgia in which Wonnum "gets head up" with the Bulldogs left tackle (Thomas) to check the run; upon realizing it's a pass play, he "works himself with his speed, with those long arms and that leverage, all the way around the tackle" to make a sack.
"Our defensive linemen do this," Bercich explained. "So when Wonnum gets here, that's not going to be a new technique for him. He's going to be very well-versed in stopping the run and then readjusting and rushing the passer."
Player Profile: DT James Lynch, Baylor, Junior
Lynch measured 6-foot-4 and 289 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he met formally with the Vikings and tabbed them as a team he'd like to play for.
"You see the way the d-line plays and the way their team plays and the way that their d-line has grown, you see a good defense, and they're salty," said Lynch, who received a vote of approval from Vikings Hall of Famer John Randle.
Lynch got his wish when Minnesota drafted the 21-year-old from the 130th overall spot.
In 2019, Lynch led Baylor with 19.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks, ranking in the top 10 nationally in both categories. He added three forced fumbles, five passes broken up and two blocked kicks. He was named First-Team All-American by TheAssociated Press and also earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors.
ESPN Media analyst Mel Kiper said he was a "big fan of James Lynch" over the three seasons he played for the Bears.
"You think about a guy with scheme versatility, had 19.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 of those were sacks," Kiper said. "[He] uses his hands extremely well, can win outside, inside, plays with really good power, never lacked for effort. You've got to like James Lynch. If you watched him at Baylor throughout his career, what a football player, a key guy in every game, got into that backfield and wreaked havoc against the run and got the sack numbers that you want, as well."
Potential Impact:
Although Lynch did get some reps at defensive end for Baylor, he primarily played on the interior.
He's expected to do the same in Minnesota, where he will most likely begin work at the 3-technique.
Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman told Twin Cities media members that the 2020 draft class was a strong one for defensive tackles.
"I think a lot of them went in the second round, there were about five or six of them there, and then we stacked Lynch up against some of those guys, as well, and felt like he has a very good chance of, once we've slotted him inside full-time, to go and compete," Spielman said.
Lynch joins a defensive tackles group that also returned Shamar Stephen, Jaleel Johnson and Jalyn Holmes. The Vikings use a rotation on the defensive line and also invoke specialization for certain situations. How quickly could Lynch make an impact?
"He's going to have to come in and earn it, for sure. He's a talented player, but he's still a young guy; he came out as a junior," Stephenson said. "There's going to be some technical work, for sure, but we feel confident [that Patterson's] going to bring the best out of them. And all those guys are going to compete."
View images of Vikings fourth round draft pick Baylor DT James Lynch.
Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch (93) sacks West Virginia quarterback Will Grier (7) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerry Larson)
Texas Tech quarterback Jett Duffey (7) tries to outrun Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch (93) during the second half of a NCAA college football game in Waco, Tex.,Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019.(AP Photo/Jerry Larson)
Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch poses for a headshot during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch (93) looks on during the Big 12 Championship game against Oklahoma Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Arlington, Texas. Oklahoma won 30-23 in overtime. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts, left, rolls away from the pressure by Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch, right, during an NCAA college football game in Waco, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. Oklahoma won 34-31. (AP Photo/Ray Carlin)
Rice quarterback Wiley Green (5) pitches out to wide receiver Cameron Montgomery (8) as Baylor defensive tackles Bravvion Roy, left, and defensive tackle James Lynch close in during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
TCU running back Kyle Hicks (21) looks for room against Baylor safety Davion Hall (12) and Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch (93) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 24, 2017, in Fort Worth, Texas. TCU won 45-22. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Rice running back Charlie Booker, left, blocks Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch (93) as quarterback Tom Stewart (14) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch (93) runs onto the field with teammates before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Waco, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Coachspeak:
"James had a great career at Baylor. He's a high-motor kid that plays with physicality and has great strength. They played him at defensive end, outside the tackle, and then they kicked him down inside over the guard. And where he played, for him to get 14.5 sacks last year was outstanding. He has a natural feel of how to rush the passer. Another smart guy that gets it. He understands that it's about the team, it's about hard work, so he's going to fit into my room great, and we're going to play him at 3-technique. I was real excited to have a chance to get him."
— Vikings Co-Defensive Coordinator Andre Patterson
Film Breakdown:
"The first thing that stands out about Lynch is his toughness," Bercich said. "He likes to be disruptive."
Bercich called Lynch a "strong, stout" type of pass rusher and pointed out that while he did take reps at defensive end for Baylor, he will be an "interior specialist" for Minnesota.
"When he tackles you, at 6-4, 290 [pounds], you're not going to go forward; you're going to go backward," Bercich said. "Teams made the mistake of not wanting to block him and turning him loose, and he absolutely made them pay."
He highlighted Lynch's persistence on plays helping him get to the quarterback.
"Many times, you're not going to get there on the initial rush, making the quarterback step up, but Lynch has enough power and speed to get around the outside and eventually make the play," Bercich said.
Player Profile: DE Kenny Willekes, Michigan State, Redshirt junior
Patterson got his third defensive lineman of the day when the Vikings tabbed Willekes in the seventh round from the 225th overall spot.
Willekes is listed at 6-foot-4 and 264 pounds and is the Spartans all-time leader with 51 tackles for loss. He earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2018 and 2019 and also was Michigan State's MVP those years.
In 2019, Willekes totaled 78 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. Following the campaign, he was awarded the 2019 Burlsworth Trophy for the nation's best former walk-on at the Division-I level.
His 26.0 career sacks rank third in Michigan State history.
"I'm no stranger to adversity, I'm no stranger to hard work, and it doesn't matter to me – I said this many times in the process – it doesn't matter to me where I get picked," Willekes told Twin Cities media members. "Whatever team [picked] me, whatever team [took] a chance on me, I'm going to show up, I'm going to be all-in and I'm going to be ready to work."
View images of Vikings new DE Kenny Willekes from his days at MSU.
FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2018, file photo, Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes rushes the line during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan in East Lansing, Mich. Ohio State visits Michigan State needing a win to stay on track for a Big Ten East showdown with Michigan in two weeks. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
Michigan State players, including Matt Dotson (89), Jalen Nailor (8) and Kenny Willekes (48), celebrate following a 23-13 win over Purdue in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan receiver Ronnie Bell (8) leaps over Michigan State's Tre Person (24) as Michigan State's Andrew Dowell (5) and Kenny Willekes pursue during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill (11) is tackled by Michigan State's Kenny Willekes (48) and Brandon Bouyer-Randle (26) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gary Cameron)
Maryland quarterback Josh Jackson, left, looks to throw against Michigan State's Kenny Willekes during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State's Kenny Willekes (48), Jack Saylor (54) and Jacub Panasiuk (96) warm up before an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State's Kenny Willekes signals against Maryland during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State won 19-16. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes plays against Michigan in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes plays against Michigan in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes plays against Michigan in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes plays against the Michigan in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes (48) plays against Michigan in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan State's Kenny Willekes (48), Antjuan Simmons (34), Tre Person (24) and Jeslord Boateng (33) celebrate a stop against Maryland during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes plays against Michigan in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes plays against Michigan in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Rutgers quarterback Johnny Langan (17) is sacked by Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes (48) and linebacker Noah Harvey (45) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Piscataway, N.J. Michigan State won 27-0. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, front, is sacked by Michigan State defenders Michael Dowell, left, Josiah Scott, center, Kenny Willekes during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes is seen during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio, safety David Dowell (6) and defensive end Kenny Willekes (48) run onto the field before an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 38-0. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes is seen during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes is seen during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes is seen during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes is seen during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan State's Michael Dowell (10) and Kenny Willekes (48) celebrate Dowell's fumble recovery for a touchdown against Indiana during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes is seen during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes is seen during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes is seen during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan State players, including Kenny Willekes (48), Brian Lewerke (14) and Antjuan Simmons (34) celebrate following an NCAA college football game against Tulsa, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State won 28-7. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State's Kenny Willekes reacts during an NCAA college football game against Indiana, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels, right, scrambles for a first down against Michigan State's Joe Bachie (35) and Kenny Willekes (48) late in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Indiana quarterback Michael Penix Jr., right, scrambles against Michigan State's Kenny Willekes during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State's Kenny Willekes, right, tackles Indiana's Peyton Hendershot during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State won 40-31. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State players, including Kenny Willekes (48), Brian Lewerke (14), Antjuan Simmons (34) and Connor Heyward, far right, celebrate following an NCAA college football game against Tulsa, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State won 28-7. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State's Kenny Willekes, right, walks to the stadium with teammates before an NCAA college football game against Western Michigan, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State players, including Kenny Willekes (48), Brian Lewerke, center, and Antjuan Simmons (34) celebrate an NCAA college football game against Tulsa, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes talks with reporters during the team's NCAA college football media day, Monday, Aug. 5, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State's Kenny Willekes walks to the stadium with teammates before an NCAA college football game against Western Michigan, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes celebrates a sack against Tulsa during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State's Kenny Willekes, bottom right, sacks Tulsa quarterback Zach Smith (11), causing a fumble, as Tulsa's Shamari Brooks (3) and Denzel Carter, left rear, block Michigan State's Jacub Panasiuk (96) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State's Kenny Willekes, right, sacks Tulsa quarterback Zach Smith during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State defensive ends Kenny Willekes (48) and Jack Camper, left, are shown in the bench area during an NCAA college football spring scrimmage game, Saturday, April 13, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2018, file photo, Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes rushes the line during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, in East Lansing, Mich. The Spartans were No. 1 in the country last season against the run, and they return standouts like Kenny Willekes on the defensive line. Tulsa plays at Michigan State on Friday, Aug. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke, right, and defensive end Kenny Willekes (48) leave the field after their spring NCAA college football scrimmage, Saturday, April 13, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes attends an NCAA college football practice, Monday, Aug. 12, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes (48) recovers a fumble for a turnover by Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Michigan State's Kenny Willekes reacts against Ohio State during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill (11) recovers his fumble while being pursued by Michigan State's Kenny Willekes (48) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gary Cameron)
Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins is sacked by Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes (48) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) throws a pass as Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes (48) closes in, during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. Nebraska won 9-6. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) carries the ball in front of Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes (48) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Potential Impact:
Along with Wonnum, Willekes will have the opportunity to vie for a spot in Minnesota's defensive ends group.
Although he was a seventh-round selection, Patterson said the Vikings actually considered drafting him as early as the fourth, and he could prove to be another hidden gem for Minnesota's defensive line.
Willekes credited the Spartans defensive scheme for his ability to rack up the tackles for loss and hopes to find those same opportunities at the NFL level.
"They allowed me to be a little bit of a free player, and they stunted me a lot inside, something we worked on every day with [defensive ends coach Chuck Bullough] – our one-gap footwork, our two-gap footwork," he explained. "It was something we focused on every day. When I got the ability to do it in games and they gave me the opportunity to stunt, I was able to get in there and make plays."
Coachspeak: "Ah, man. He's a hardworking dude. … [There's] no way we thought he would still be sitting there in the seventh round, and when [he] became available, we wanted to jump on that all the way. He's a young man that came from being a walk-on at Michigan State, to earning a scholarship, to becoming All-Big Ten. So he's earned everything that he's gotten. I love his temperament, I love how hard he plays, how much of a competitor he is, and he's got some flexibility to his game, too. I know he's going to fit into our room, and he's going to compete his tail off, and that's the most important thing."
— Vikings Co-Defensive Coordinator Andre Patterson
Film Breakdown:
"Kenny Willekes is a motor. He's a guy that has a lot of enthusiasm for the game," Bercich said.
Bercich pointed out that you may not get players with the fastest 40 times in the seventh round, but you're going to "get the guys who love football."
He made comparisons between Willekes and Hall of Famer John Randle, the undrafted eventual Hall of Famer whom Bercich played with in Minnesota.
"You watch this young man on film – he loves the game, and he's very, very good at his technique," Bercich said. "He's very, very good with using his hands, and he's good at using leverage – he plays the low-pad level. These are all the tools that someone like Andre Patterson's going to look for in a young defensive lineman and try to develop those."
Bercich used film clips to illustrate the above qualities, starting with his pad level – "the low man wins" – and use of his hands and leverage. He pointed to the 2019 Pinstripe Bowl in which Willekes was lined up at defensive end across from Wake Forest tight end Brandon Chapman.
"A defensive end 1-on-1 with a tight end, they need to win that battle all the time," Bercich explained. "He has a great feel for the rush, meaning that when he gets up-field, he feels the quarterback pull the ball down and try to get through that gap that's showing up right in front of him. When that happens, [Willekes] comes underneath, right at the right time, and then [wraps up the tackle], lifts the quarterback and puts him on the ground.
"Those are the little things that guys do that you love to see," Bercich added.
