Illinois Football A “Sneaky” Team full of 2026 NFL Draft Prospects

The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, and Illinois Football is celebrating the addition of six former Illini to NFL rosters.

Wide receiver Pat Bryant was selected in the third round by the Denver Broncos, becoming the 258th draft pick in Illinois history and the 56th for head coach Bret Bielema over the course of his 16-year head coaching career.

Pat Bryant – Denver Broncos. (NFL Draft – Round 3 – Pick #258)

Seth Coleman – Seattle Seahawks (UFDA)

Te’Rah Edwards – LA Chargers (UFDA)

Zakhari Franklin – Las Vegas Raiders (UDFA)

Dennis Briggs Jr. – Tennessee Titans (Minicamp Invite)

Ryan Meed – Philadelphia Eagles (Minicamp Invite)

Bryant’s selection brings the total number of former Illini currently in the NFL to 32—a trend head coach Bret Bielema hopes will continue to grow moving forward.

Luckily, the Illini have the roster heading into 2025 that’s built to deliver. Despite a light showing in this year’s draft in Green Bay, ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg expects Illinois to be well represented in 2026 when the draft heads to Pittsburgh.

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg on Why Illinois Football is a “sneaky” team to watch for 2026 NFL Draft prospects

“Illinois had only one player drafted this year — wide receiver Pat Bryant (pick No. 74 to the Broncos) — but that number should rise next April,” says Rittenberg.

He continued, “The Illini retained several players with draftable grades from their 10-win team last season, including outside linebacker Gabe Jacas. He could be a first-round selection in 2026. Illinois has produced high draft picks from the secondary in the past and returns cornerback Xavier Scott, a first-team All-Big Ten selection. Left tackle J.C. Davis will be an intriguing prospect with a lot of experience, and quarterback Luke Altmyer should help his chances after a third season as the Illini starter.”

Rittenberg concluded with some additional Illini to keep an eye on. Among those to watch – RT Melvin Priestly, DT James Thompson Jr., S Miles Scott and TE Tanner Arkin.

Feb 28, 2025. Indianapolis, IN. USA. Illinois wideout Pat Bryant. 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet. Imagn Images.

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