Illinois Football: Williams Increases Draft Stock at Pro Day

Illinois Football: Williams Increases Draft Stock at Pro Day

We are now just 48 days from the 2024 NFL Draft, and a handful of Illinois Football seniors put their efforts on display at the 2024 Illini Pro Day on March 8th. All for the shot to capture lifelong dreams for these young men. As well as increase their current draft stock before Day 1, on April 25th. A representative from most of the NFL’s 32 teams were in attendance in Champaign. Of course, many eyes were on former Illinois Wide Receiver Isaiah Williams. The speedy receiver had a goal of bettering his 40 time, to which he clocked a 4.63 at the NFL combine. Isaiah also recorded a 38″ vertical, ran a 6.75 in the cone drill, and jumped a 10’3 broad jump. This time around, Williams was certainly able to beef-up his stock.

Video Credit: Chicago State of Mind

Isaiah’s Pro Day Performance

Eric Galko, Director of Operations at the East-West Shrine Bowl, and Optimum Scouting posted this on the “X” app.

Williams was certainly able to take a step forward on his 40-time. An increase from a 4.63 to a 4.57, which surely cannot hurt his draft stock. However, as Eric highlighted, Isaiah’s athleticism was drastically put on display in the vertical and broad jump portions of the evaluation. He did decide to hold his impressive 38″ vertical, which he recorded just days ago at the NFL combine. He was also able to add a whopping 5 inches to his broad jump. At the NFL combine, the former 2,000 yard receiver recorded at 10’3 broad jump. At the Illini Pro Day on Friday (3/8) Isaiah was able to increase that jump to a 10’8. Cranking up his relative athletic score (RAS) to a 7 overall.

Certainly, Illinois Football fans know the level of player Isaiah can be when he has the ball in his hands. Very quick, and will make you miss in a phone booth. Williams is also really productive at yards after contact as well. Its very rare that the first person who gets their hands on the former Illini receiver, will be the one who makes the play. Truthfully, I believe his evaluation numbers match his on field product. Is he the fastest receiver in this draft class? No. Is he still extremely quick? Yes. Plus, he is unnaturally athletic, and any chance he gets to put that shocking athleticism on display, is good for Isaiah. With a large majority of the NFL represented today in Champaign, the St. Louis native made his name heard.