Even with Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon withdrawing from the Senior Bowl, subsequent week might be huge for the Illini in Cell, Ala.

Three Illinois gamers are on the Nationwide roster, essentially the most in program historical past (the Illini despatched two gamers 16 instances). Coming off an 8-5 season in Bret Bielema’s second 12 months operating this system, safeties Jartavius “Quan” Martin and Sydney Brown might be joined by operating again Chase Brown.

Witherspoon has emerged as probably the highest cornerback within the draft class — an virtually sure first-round choose — and it’s not uncommon for elite prospects to again out of the sport. The Illini secondary might be properly represented, although, with Martin and Sydney Brown.

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Martin’s worth as a possible Day 2 choose is enhanced as a result of he confirmed versatility enjoying security, cornerback and nickel cornerback, one thing he did towards Michigan State and Purdue.

“My telephone is blowing up as a result of lots of groups are lastly watching tape,” mentioned Illini defensive coordinator Aaron Henry, who was promoted from secondary coach after final season. “Illinois isn’t horny in a historic context compared to Michigan, Ohio State, Alabama and Georgia. However we’ve obtained some very particular gamers.

“Quan is the last word Swiss Military knife. He can play something and I actually consider lots of people are watching him now. No matter that they had him at, his inventory goes to skyrocket as a result of he’s so invaluable as a result of he actually can play something. He’s going go gentle the Senior Bowl up. Everyone thought that Kerby Joseph (a security the Detroit Lioins drafted within the third spherical final 12 months) practiced arduous on the Senior Bowl. They haven’t seen nothing but. I obtained eight calls (from NFL groups Wednesday).”

Sydney Brown, the dual of Chase — who was fourth in FBS with 1,643 dashing yards — led the Illini with six interceptions after scouts requested coaches about his means in protection early within the season.

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“There was this, ‘Is he simply an in-the-box security?’ ” Henry mentioned. “We put him in (protection extra) as a result of we had been listening to that. We simply had him within the field as a result of he’s such blitzer. Sydney causes a lot chaos for individuals. You don’t know what he’s doing, and we gave Sydney lots of freedom. Actually savvy. One of many smarter gamers I’ve been round.”

After utilizing their prime two draft picks on defensive backs final 12 months, the Chicago Bears determine to shift their focus to the entrance seven with the intention to restock Matt Eberflus’ protection. A strong group of edge rushers might be in Cell, though Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson, who was invited, is not going to take part. Wilson initiatives as a possible top-10 choose and could possibly be on basic supervisor Ryan Poles’ radar in a trade-down situation due to his mixture of measurement and size at 6-foot-6, 275 kilos together with nice power and a excessive motor.

Iowa State’s Will McDonald IV could possibly be the highest-drafted cross rusher from the sport. He had a team-high 5 sacks for the Cyclones and tied the Huge 12 report with 34 for his profession. The 6-3, 236-pounder is anticipated to check properly on the scouting mix, however one scout mentioned he’s involved McDonald is a greater athlete than a soccer participant. He might generate actual buzz in Cell if he excels in one-on-one drills.

Auburn’s Derick Corridor and Notre Dame’s Isaiah Foskey are potential Day 2 picks on the edge place. Corridor is linear at 6-3, 256 and has the athletic means to play properly in area. Foskey set a program report with 26½ profession sacks, and it will likely be attention-grabbing to see how properly his athleticism stands out.

Military’s Andre Carter is very large at 6-7, 260 kilos and performs with nice energy however has stiff hips and isn’t fluid when he has to redirect.

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