Patrick Embleton Executive Director of Personnel and Recruiting | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Patrick Embleton Executive Director of Personnel and Recruiting | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Four players from the University of Illinois were selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, while five others signed contracts with NFL teams. The selections included defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton, offensive lineman Isaiah Adams, tight end Tip Reiman, and wide receiver Casey Washington.
Jer'Zhan Newton was picked in the second round by Washington, becoming the third-highest drafted defensive tackle in Illinois history. Isaiah Adams went to Arizona in the third round as the highest-drafted Illini offensive lineman since 2012. Tip Reiman also joined Arizona in the third round and is now the second-highest drafted tight end from Illinois. Casey Washington was chosen by Atlanta in the sixth round, marking him as the first Fighting Illini wide receiver drafted since 2012.
This year's draft saw Illinois achieving back-to-back years with four picks for the first time in over a decade. The school ties with Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and Penn State for having three or more players drafted in the first three rounds of each of the last two drafts.
In addition to these draftees, several Illini signed free agent deals: Keith Randolph Jr. with Chicago Bears, Isaiah Williams with Detroit Lions, Denzel Daxon with Dallas Cowboys, Tarique Barnes with Houston Texans, and John Paddock with Atlanta Falcons. Nicario Harper received an invite to rookie camp with Indianapolis Colts.
Alerts Sign-up