Even with Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon withdrawing from the Senior Bowl, subsequent week will likely be large for the Illini in Mobile, Ala.
Three Illinois gamers are on the National roster, essentially the most in program historical past (the Illini despatched two gamers 16 occasions). Coming off an 8-5 season in Bret Bielema’s second yr operating this system, safeties Jartavius “Quan” Martin and Sydney Brown will likely be joined by operating again Chase Brown.
Witherspoon has emerged as probably the highest cornerback within the draft class — an nearly sure first-round choose — and it’s not uncommon for elite prospects to again out of the sport. The Illini secondary will likely be effectively represented, although, with Martin and Sydney Brown.
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 phone is blowing up because a lot of teams are finally watching tape,” stated 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. But we’ve acquired some very particular gamers.
“Quan is the ultimate Swiss Army knife. He can play anything and I truly believe a lot of people are watching him now. Whatever they had him at, his stock is going to skyrocket because he is so valuable because he literally can play anything. He’s going go light the Senior Bowl up. Everybody thought that Kerby Joseph (a safety the Detroit Lioins drafted in the third round last year) practiced hard at the Senior Bowl. They haven’t seen nothing yet. I got eight calls (from NFL teams Wednesday).”
Sydney Brown, the dual of Chase — who was fourth in FBS with 1,643 speeding yards — led the Illini with six interceptions after scouts requested coaches about his potential in protection early within the season.
“There was this, ‘Is he just an in-the-box safety?’ ” Henry stated. “We put him in (coverage more) because we were hearing that. We just had him in the box because he’s such a good blitzer. Sydney causes so much chaos for people. You don’t know what he’s doing, and we gave Sydney a lot of freedom. Really savvy. One of the smarter players I have been around.”
After utilizing their prime two draft picks on defensive backs final yr, the Chicago Bears determine to shift their focus to the entrance seven to be able to restock Matt Eberflus’ protection. A stable group of edge rushers will likely be in Mobile, though Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson, who was invited, won’t take part. Wilson initiatives as a possible top-10 choose and could possibly be on common 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 energy 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 Big 12 document with 34 for his profession. The 6-3, 236-pounder is predicted to check effectively on the scouting mix, however one scout stated he’s involved McDonald is a greater athlete than a soccer participant. He may generate actual buzz in Mobile if he excels in one-on-one drills.
Auburn’s Derick Hall and Notre Dame’s Isaiah Foskey are potential Day 2 picks on the edge place. Hall is linear at 6-3, 256 and has the athletic potential to play effectively in area. Foskey set a program document with 26½ profession sacks, and will probably be attention-grabbing to see how effectively his athleticism stands out.
Army’s Andre Carter is huge 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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Source: www.bostonherald.com