Former Illinois defensive end Dawuane Smoot was just drafted at No. 68 overall in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Smoot was drafted by an Illinois alum in Shahid Khan, who is currently the Jaguars team owner. Another former Illini-turned-Jaguar congratulated Smoot on Twitter following his selection:
The Jaguars feature several good defensive ends, including Dante Fowler Jr. and Malik Jackson, but Smoot should see some playing time this coming NFL season. Jacksonville GM David Caldwell had this to say on where Smoot will likely fit into their defensive scheme:
Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell says DE Dawuane Smoot will beef up to 270 and play behind Calais Campbell as a big end
— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) April 29, 2017
Smoot makes the fourth Illini all-time drafted by the Jaguars, and the sixth orange and blue defensive lineman drafted since 2011.