Maya Green Director of Recruiting Operations | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Maya Green Director of Recruiting Operations | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Following wide receiver Pat Bryant's selection by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, five additional former Illinois players are making their way to the NFL. Seth Coleman, TeRah Edwards, and Zakhari Franklin have signed free agent contracts, while Dennis Briggs Jr. and Ryan Meed have received invitations to participate in minicamps.
Currently, Illinois boasts 32 players in the NFL.
The list of Illinois players heading to the NFL is as follows:
- WR Pat Bryant, selected by the Denver Broncos as an NFL Draft Pick in the third round.
- OLB Seth Coleman, who signed a free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
- DT TeRah Edwards, who signed a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.
- WR Zakhari Franklin, who signed a free agent contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.
- DT Dennis Briggs Jr., who received a minicamp invite from the Tennessee Titans.
- LB Ryan Meed, who received a minicamp invite from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Bryant is the 258th NFL Draft pick in the history of Illinois, marking the 56th draft pick in the 16-year head coaching career of Bret Bielema. During Bielema's four-year tenure at Illinois, he has produced eight top-100 picks out of 12 NFL Draft selections, the most of any coach in Illini history within their first four years.
"Bryant was the Illini's eighth top-100 pick among the 12 NFL Draft selections during Bielema's four years at Illinois," highlighting his significant contribution to Illinois football history.
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