Like a proud father, Hall of Fame offensive lineman Will Shields watched from a distance last Sunday as his protégé, Jordan Willis, went to work at Shields' facility in Overland Park, Kansas.

This time, Shields wasn't the one putting Willis through a series of drills. They were conducted by an Atlanta Falcons contingent that included coach Dan Quinn, general manager Thomas Dimitroff, assistant general manager Scott Pioli and defensive line coach Bryant Young.

“Shoot, they were in and out in heartbeat,” Shields said of the Falcons' group. “I just hope they like what they saw.”

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Shields, who played against Young during his 14 seasons with the Chiefs and knows Pioli from Pioli's time as Kansas City's general manager, didn't need to sell the Falcons on Willis. The former Kansas State defensive end has done a solid enough job selling himself with the NFL draft two weeks away.

The 6-foot-4, 255-pound Willis, who recorded 26 sacks, 40.5 tackles for loss and seven forced fumbles during his college career at Kansas State, has been projected as a second-rounder by ESPN draft gurus Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay. However, the buzz Willis has generated lately just might entice the Falcons to at least consider him with 31st overall pick in the first round.

“The thing of it is, he's one of those kids who already has it down pat,” Shields said of Willis. “He's definitely going to come in and be a pro. He's definitely multiple. He's one of those guys that actually studies the game and enjoys the game. That's what I love about him, that he does love the game. And the best thing about him is he's a homebody. He loves football and his family. That's it.”

The Falcons certainly need to add another edge rusher opposite Vic Beasley Jr., who led the league with 15.5 sacks last season. They've done their homework on this year's class of edge rushers, conducting private workouts with players such as Tennessee's Derek Barnett, Youngstown State's Derek Rivers and Willis, among others.

Willis is very comparable to Beasley -- Willis is an inch taller and 10 pounds heavier -- as the two posted the same 40 times (4.53 seconds) and broad jumps (130 inches) at the NFL combine. Among the 25 defensive ends and outside linebackers drafted in the first round in the past five years, Willis' 10-yard split (1.54 seconds) ranks first, his 40 time ranks tied for second and his vertical (39 inches) ranks fourth.

And oh, by the way, Willis has quite the mentor in Shields. The two met when Willis was an 8-year old playing basketball in a Kansas City tournament and asked to take a picture with the 12-time Pro Bowl lineman. The relationship grew, and Willis has trained at Will Shields Fitness and Sports Training for the last five years.

“It's funny looking at how big he is now as compared to that picture we took long time ago,” Shields said with a laugh.

Kansas State defensive end Jordan Willis is projected as a second-day pick, but could be creeping higher on some draft boards. Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Willis' game has grown, too, thanks in large part to Shields. The on-the-field training has helped Willis with his pass-rush technique and handwork while supplementing the strength training he does with former Falcons third-round draft pick Mark Simoneau, a linebacker also from Kansas State.

Asked if he's encouraged Willis to study any pass rushers, Shields pointed to two players in particular.

“[Khalil] Mack, watching the way he plays, is one thing,” Shields said. “And then looking at Von Miller and how he does it. ... Using those different combinations, I think, is going to be very beneficial for him going forward, especially if he's playing that kind of position.”

In discussing what advice he offered Willis heading into the draft, Shields, a former third-round pick from Nebraska, kept his message simple.

“Well, I told him to keep an open mind,” Shields said. “What he wants is an opportunity. It's great to say, 'I'm going to move up here and move into there.' Really, what it comes down to is wherever you are, make the best of it and know exactly what you need to do.

“These teams are looking at [him] in a different way. Some are looking at linebacker. Some are looking at outside rush end. Some are looking at D-end. But again, it's about making the best of your opportunity. Once you get that mindset, it doesn't matter what they ask of you. You just have to go out and get it done.”