University News

Saunders Drafted to Kansas City Chiefs

April 29, 2019

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From WIU Athletics:

With the 84th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Chiefs chose Khalen Saunders

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Khalen Saunders' childhood dream came to fruition Friday night when he was selected 84th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. The former Western Illinois University defensive tackle begins his professional career with the Kansas City Chiefs.

"The entire Leatherneck Family has been looking forward to see where Khalen calls his new home," said head coach Jared Elliott. "Everyone that touches our program has known how special this young man is for a long time, it has been a lot of fun to see the country start to recognize that as well. Khalen has worked for everything he has and he will be no different at the next level. He will light up the locker room with his personality and be loved by his teammates because of who he is. We are proud to add Khalen to the extremely lengthy list of NFL players that were built Leatherneck Tough."

Backflipping his way into national spotlight, Saunders made headlines at the Reese's Senior Bowl and NFL Combine for his athletic prowess and understanding of the game. The Leatherneck coaching staff trusted the 310-pounder in all three phases, offense, defense, and special teams, but he was an anchor on the defensive line, where he finished his collegiate career with 204 tackles, 18 sacks, and four forced fumbles.

When checking his career stat line, there's also a blocked field goal, a rushing touchdown, and a receiving touchdown.

Saunders finished the 2018 season as a two-time All-American (Associated Press and STATS FCS) as well as a First All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection. He capped his senior slate third on WIU's roster with 72 tackles - 13 for a loss, which ranked fifth in the MVFC - and concluded his career ranked sixth all-time in sacks.

"Believe in yourself. Take opportunities," Saunders said in an interview with ESPN Staff Writer Adam Rittenberg. "They may come few and far between, but I took mine from Western [Illinois], and now I'm here."

Saunders is Western's first NFL draftee in the last 10 seasons and the 35th in program history.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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