It’s no secret that the Illini haven’t been as well represented in the NFL Draft as they were during the Zook era. Fortunately, that trend seems poised to change in the near future, as a new contingent of former Illini hope to play alongside alumni like Clayton Fejedelem, Geronimo Allison, Whitney Mercilus, Justin Hardee, and others.
Del’Shawn Phillips has long had the physical tools and football instincts to contribute at the next level, as we discussed when reviewing draft candidates last summer. Lovie Smith leaned on Phillips heavily last season as he was the most experienced linebacker on the roster and certainly also one of the most talented.