KALAMAZOO, MI -- Former Western Michigan offensive lineman Willie Beavers grew up a Detroit Lions fan.

That is not the case anymore.

Beavers, a Metro Detroit native, was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft on Saturday. Now, instead of playing for his hometown team, he will play against the Lions at least twice a year in the NFC North.

"I'm not a Lions fan anymore," Beavers told Vikings.com in a conference call Saturday. "I'm a Vikings fan. I'm a Vikings guy."

Beavers, the first Mid-American Conference player selected in this year's draft and the Broncos' first draft pick since 2012, was one of the best offensive lineman in the MAC the past three years.

The 6-foot-4, 324-pound Beavers started all 13 games at left tackle and he was named to the All-MAC second team as a junior. He was named All-MAC first team as a senior, helping WMU to its first bowl win in program history.

Still, many view Beavers as a project.

"He showed me enough to think that with sound pro coaching, he could develop enough into a starter down the line," ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. said. "He moves pretty well for a player his size as a pass blocker. His hand placement needs to get better as a run blocker.

"He's got to get to the second level and he has got to be more dominant as well, driving defenders off the ball. There is talent to work with."

At the Senior Bowl, Beavers shifted inside, where he is expected to play in the NFL.

"They're all awesome guys," Beavers said of the Vikings coaches. "I got a chance to meet with the offensive line coach [Sparano] at the combine and the Senior Bowl, and he's an awesome dude.

"I can't wait to get to work for him."

Beavers gives the Vikings offensive line depth and it appears he will have time to develop and adjust to a position change.

Justin Dacey covers sports for MLive Media Group and the Kalamazoo Gazette. Send him an email at jdacey@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter: @JustinDacey.