No. 44: Henry McGrew, DE
Why he’s important: Depth at defensive end isn’t the greatest for the Illini. Aside from Dawuane Smoot and Carroll Phillips, the backup options are limited for defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson. The depth along the interior of the defensive line is a strength, but on the edge is lacking a bit. This is where McGrew could play a vital role in 2016. The redshirt sophomore managed seven tackles, including two for loss, in a limited role last season, in which he played 11 games. Given how much defensive line coach Mike Phair likes to rotate his linemen, McGrew should see the field this fall to spell Smoot or Phillips.