The Athletic's Dane Brugler Posted his annual "Beast" Draft Guide ranking nearly every player imaginable. A quick rundown of Illini that feature below. He only gives overall prospect ranks to his top 100, but gives the positional ranking and summary for guys with a chance of getting drafted. There's a ton of detailed information in there on individual projects, I'll give his one sentence summary below:
Johnny Newton - DT2 (28th ranked overall) - 1st / 2nd Round Grade
Summary - Overall, Newton’s undersized, compact frame will be a turn-off for some teams, but he is tough to block one-on-one, because of his gap quickness, natural power and nose for the ball. He projects as a dependable starting three-technique in the NFL.
Isaiah Adams - OG6 (85th ranked overall) - 3rd Round Grade
Summary - Overall, Adams’ play style sets him up to be out-leveraged, but his natural size, strength and mobility, along with his competitive makeup, are the ingredients teams desire in a mid -round developmental lineman. He projects as a backup guard with the potential to be more with continued coaching.
Tip Reiman - TE8 - 4th / 5th Round Grade
Summary - Overall, Reiman’s inexperience as a pass catcher and blocker is apparent, but he shows promise in both areas and should continue to improve with additional coaching. He will be targeted by “11” personnel offenses looking for a developmental Y/F tight end and special teamer.
Keith Randolph - DT18 - 6th Round Grade
Summary - Overall, Randolph is missing an explosive element to his arsenal, but he maintains gap integrity with his ability to lock out, track and do his job in the run game. He projects as an NFL backup who offers scheme versatility and depth at multiple positions.
Julian Pearl - OT23 - 6th / 7th Round Grade
Summary - Overall, Pearl is still rough around the edges, but if he can improve his oversetting and lunging tendencies as a pass blocker, he has the size, movement skills and run-blocking ability to make an NFL roster.
Isaiah Williams - WR34 - 7th Round Grade
Summary - Overall, Williams is an undersized, yet explosive pass catcher with the nifty skills to make something out of nothing with the ball in his hands. He projects as a rotational slot option and punt returner.
Casey Washington - WR39 - 7th Round / PFA Grade
Summary - Overall, Washington is a sleek, speedy athlete with secure hands to be a possession target, but he struggles to create consistent separation and needs to prove himself on special teams.
Ungraded Players - Only get a mention
John Paddock - QB55
Jordyn Slaughter - OG46
Denzel Daxon - DT43
Bryce Barnes - DT52
Tarique Barnes - LB47
Nicario Harper - S54
Link for subscribers:
https://theathletic.com/5399690/2024/04/10/nfl-draft-2024-the-beast-dane-brugler/