Illini in the Pros (Football)

[Dan]

Welcome to the Illini in the Pros thread

NFL Draft
Gabe Jacas drafted by the New England Patriots (2nd Round, 55th Pick)
J.C. Davis drafted by the New York Giants (6th Round, 192nd Pick)
Miles Scott drafted by the Denver Broncos (7th Round, 246th Pick)

Undrafted Free Agents
QB Luke Altmyer to the Detroit Lions
TE Tanner Arkin to the New England Patriots
WR Hank Beatty to the Tennessee Titans
OL Josh Gesky to the Green Bay Packers
OL Melvin Priestly to the Detroit Lions
DL James Thompson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers

Rookie Camp Invites
OL Josh Kreutz: Chicago Bears
LB Kenenna Odeluga: Indianapolis Colts
LB Dylan Rosiek: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Three Illini Picked in 2026 NFL Draft, More Sign Free Agent Deals - University of Illinois Athletics

Illinois now has 261 all-time NFL Draft picks dating back to 1937.

fightingillini.com

 

[phats22]

 

[RockyMtnIllini81]

The Illinois connection was a factor in the Broncos drafting Miles Scott. I'm glad to welcome another Illini to Denver!

https://roundtable.io/sports/nfl/br...ege-bg-ten-program-for-some-very-good-reasons

 

[Dinger]

Here’s why Broncos, Sean Payton are targeting so many players from Illinois

Miles Scott is a kid, one of his coaches at Illinois said, who ‘would give you the skin off his back if he could.’ Illinois and Denver both keyed in on him for that same reason.

www.denverpost.com

 

[Grandpa]

Here’s why Broncos, Sean Payton are targeting so many players from Illinois

Miles Scott is a kid, one of his coaches at Illinois said, who ‘would give you the skin off his back if he could.’ Illinois and Denver both keyed in on him for that same reason.

www.denverpost.com

That's pretty freakin' awesome!

 

[TheFlyingIllini1317]

Here’s why Broncos, Sean Payton are targeting so many players from Illinois

Miles Scott is a kid, one of his coaches at Illinois said, who ‘would give you the skin off his back if he could.’ Illinois and Denver both keyed in on him for that same reason.

www.denverpost.com

Great share, thank you

 

[altgeld88]

Here’s why Broncos, Sean Payton are targeting so many players from Illinois

Miles Scott is a kid, one of his coaches at Illinois said, who ‘would give you the skin off his back if he could.’ Illinois and Denver both keyed in on him for that same reason.

www.denverpost.com

Thanks. BB's approach to every aspect of our program that makes me so grateful he's our HC: long-term investment.

 

[sacraig]

Here’s why Broncos, Sean Payton are targeting so many players from Illinois

Miles Scott is a kid, one of his coaches at Illinois said, who ‘would give you the skin off his back if he could.’ Illinois and Denver both keyed in on him for that same reason.

www.denverpost.com

Interesting to put "Sean Payton" and "targeting" in the same headline.

 

[Fly Illini Fly!]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2056551067282739699

 

[Fly Illini Fly!]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2060717223287665097

 

[Fly Illini Fly!]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2063796422051254421

 

[Det_Illini_fan]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2063796422051254421

As a lions fan, and one who only gets Jerseys of the Illini, I’ll buy his the day they announce he made the full squad. Don’t expect much beyond back-up but to see him take some snaps in person will be awesome!

 

[Username]

As a lions fan, and one who only gets Jerseys of the Illini, I’ll buy his the day they announce he made the full squad. Don’t expect much beyond back-up but to see him take some snaps in person will be awesome!

Same! Also, how awesome would Keaton be on the Pistons?!? I know there's no way we could trade up that far, but he's exactly what we need, and I'd buy that jersey sooooo fast!

 

[aaeismacgychel]

Here’s why Broncos, Sean Payton are targeting so many players from Illinois

Miles Scott is a kid, one of his coaches at Illinois said, who ‘would give you the skin off his back if he could.’ Illinois and Denver both keyed in on him for that same reason.

www.denverpost.com

Absolutely phenomenal article. Truly a testament not just to Miles' work ethic but you what Bret has implemented here and is continuing to build. There is not much greater a compliment you can give to a college program in terms of development than an NFL team drafting players specifically from a particular college because of their toughness, dependability, smarts, and leadership. That's established culture, development, and coaching. And what a sell that is. If you are willing to work and have the right mindset, and buy in to this program, I'll get you to the NFL no matter how many stars were given to you out of high school.