The News-Gazette · Apr 23, 2017
Illini legends, lists and lore: Late-round NFL standouts
According to the National Football League's official website, five Fighting Illini players have a good chance to be chosen when the league conducts its annual draft this coming Thursday through Saturday. In order, Illinois' top prospects appear to be defensive end Dawuane Smoot (third to fourth round), outside linebacker Carroll Phillips (fourth to fifth round), defensive tackle Chunky Clements (seventh round) and inside linebacker Hardy Nickerson (seventh round). NFL.com projects quarterback Wes Lunt as an outside shot to be drafted.
These are 10 former Illini who were chosen with the 160th overall selection or later and who played at least 10 NFL seasons: