Illinois WR Isaiah Williams (1) - Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Next up in the draft process is the Illinois Pro Day. This is when players can get one more chance to show off their skills to NFL scouts. They can potentially even improve their draft stock if they really impress. The Illinois Pro Day will take place on March 8th.
Illinois Pro Day Information
While there are not many confirmed players participating, there are a couple to expect. Julian Peal did attend the combine but did not participate due to an injury. He said he hopes to participate in the Illinois Pro Day, and while that is not yet determined, he will be listed here. As of now there are six players expected to participate, but if others are confirmed, the list will be updated. Here is a look at the players, in order of position.
Isaiah Williams – WR
After spending five years with the Illinois Fighting Illini, wide receiver, Isaiah Williams is moving on to the NFL. In his five seasons, Williams had 214 receptions for 2,304 yards and 14 touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. He also had 104 rushing attempts for 509 yards and three touchdowns. Williams did earn an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine. Williams also has a history of playing quarterback, which is something that teams may be interested in. Perhaps there is room for a couple trick plays in the future with Williams.
Williams is a late-round projection heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. At the combine he spoke on that, saying, “I’m cool with that.” Williams is a quick player, and even if he does go on day three of the draft, teams can utilize him. Once the ball is in his hands, he can hit second gear and break free. Watch for Williams to be a later-round steal in the draft this year.
Tip Reiman – TE
Illinois tight end, Tip Reiman has spent four years playing for Illinois. He did receive an invitation to the 2024 NFL Combine. It was then that he made headlines, not for his skills, but primarily for saying he does not believe pigeons are real. Back to football though, in four years Reiman had 41 receptions for 420 yards and five touchdowns, according to Sports Reference.
Reiman is a late-round projection, mostly seventh-round, but the combine can help him move up in the draft. He had a great combine, running quickly, and in a straight line, during drills and pushing the sled at ease. While he is a late-round projection, he will be a target for teams in need of tight-end help
Julian Pearl – OT
As stated previously, there is a chance that Julian Pearl, offensive lineman, does not participate. He did not participate in the combine due to a leg injury but hopes to be able to run drills at the Illinois Pro Day. Pearl spent six years with the Illini, and how he is projected to go in the seventh round in the draft. Pearl will hopefully get to use the Illinois Pro Day to increase his draft stock.
Isaiah Adams – OL
Isaiah Adams is another offensive lineman coming out of Illinois. Adams has played three years of college football, starting at Garden City CC for one year, the next two at Illinois. Adams is a strong player, who can go as early as the second day of the draft. NFL Draft Buzz has him going in the fourth round. Adams is a versatile player, who will most likely play as a guard in the league.
Jer’Zhan Newton – DL
On the defensive side of the ball is Jer’Zhan Newton, defensive tackle. Newton has been playing for Illinois for four years, but now pursuing a career in the NFL. In his four years, Newton had 187 total tackles, 80 solo, 27.5 tackles for loss and 18 sacks, according to Sports Reference. He also defended five passes, forced two fumbles and recovered three fumbles. Newton is a strong player in a deep draft class of defensive linemen.
While the draft class may be deep with defensive linemen, Newton is one of those top guys. This draft is looking fairly unpredictable, but Newton is a first rounder. He is a physical player on the field, and will be useful to any team he falls to. He did receive an invitation to the NFL Combine, but he can use the Illinois Pro Day to once again show why he is a first rounder. Be sure to watch for his name on night one of the NFL Draft.
Keith Randolph Jr. – DL
The second defensive linemen coming out of Illinois is Keith Randolph Jr. Randolph has spent five years at Illinois, now moving to the NFL. In his five years, he has had 159 total tackles, 71 solo, 23 tackles for loss, and ten sacks, according to Sports Reference. He also has defended four passes, forced one fumble, and caught two interceptions.
Randolph is another late round draft pick coming out of Illinois. His draft projection is currently in the seventh round. He may not come into the league as a starter, but would be valuable depth to any team that takes him. He will be able to use the Illinois Pro Day to convince teams of that.
The Illinois Pro Day will take place on March 8th. The players will also have time to schedule pre-draft visits with various NFL teams. After that, it’s the 2024 NFL Draft. The draft will take place April 25th-27th.
