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Michigan State Football: Khari Willis an absolute 4th round steal by the Colts

By Connor Muldowney

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Nate Wozniak #80 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers tackles Khari Willis #27 of the Michigan State Spartans after an interception as head coach P.J. Fleck of the Minnesota Golden Gophers looks on during the second quarter of the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Nate Wozniak #80 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers tackles Khari Willis #27 of the Michigan State Spartans after an interception as head coach P.J. Fleck of the Minnesota Golden Gophers looks on during the second quarter of the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The Indianapolis Colts got an absolute steal both on and off the field in former Michigan State football star Khari Willis in the fourth round.

Often times, teams draft players on potential rather than college production. Sometimes, teams consider both equally and the Colts did just that when they selected former Michigan State football star Khari Willis in the fourth round of the NFL draft on Day 3.

Willis watched his teammate Justin Layne slide from 1-2 round projections to the third round late on Friday night and was worried that he may follow suit, but the Colts ended that speculation early on Saturday afternoon, selecting him with the No. 109 pick.

This was right where many expected him to get picked but Mel Kiper said that he could even see Willis going as high as the second round. Sometimes you have to overlook the hype and stay grounded, which is exactly what Willis did, getting picked by a rising organization that is one of the best run in the NFL.

Indianapolis has Clayton Geathers and Malik Hooker starting at the safety spots for 2019, but Willis has plenty of time to grow into a nice backup role and who could rise up that depth chart by working like he did at Michigan State.

When he came to MSU, he wasn’t thought to be “the next guy” at safety, he worked for it. He’s not allergic to working hard like a lot of young prospects and he’s going to earn a role with the Colts.

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Being labeled a “steal” doesn’t even begin to describe Willis as the No. 109 pick in the draft, but the Colts got a future leader and captain-figure on the defensive side of the ball.

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