PHILADELPHIA, PA. -- Villanova University defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon (6-7, 295 lbs.) was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Kpassagnon was the 59th overall pick.  He becomes the first Wildcat to be drafted since offensive tackle Ben Ijalana was selected in the second round of the 2011 draft.

Kpassagnon, a native of Ambler, Pa., and a graduate of Wissahickon High School, started all 13 games for the Wildcats in 2016 and led the CAA and ranked in the top 15 nationally in both quarterback sacks (11) and tackles for loss (21.5). He also tallied 45 total tackles, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and a blocked kick. He finished the season with at least one sack in nine of the 13 games.

He helped anchor a Villanova defense that led all of FCS football in both total defense (259.8 ypg) and scoring defense (15.0 ppg.) and ranks fourth in rushing defense at 87.6 yards per game. 

In addition to being the 2016 CAA Defensive Player of the Year, Kpassagnon was a consensus first team All-American earning All-America acclaim from the Associated Press, Sports Network, Walter Camp Foundation and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).

He played in 41 career games at Villanova and registered 105 total tackles (65 solo stops), 37.5 tackles for loss, 22 quarterback sacks, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and one interception.

During his Villanova career, Kpassagnon helped lead the Wildcats to a 32-17 overall record and two appearances in the FCS playoffs.

A three-time member of the CAA All-Academic Team, Kpassagnon graduated in May of 2016 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. He earned a second degree in December of 2016 in Accountancy.