Pro Illini: Alex Pihlstrom is ready to fill in where he’s needed.

Alex Pihlstrom signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent.

The Pro Illini series is all about Illini athletes that have made it to the professional ranks. Because football season is upon us, Pro Illini will initially focus on Illini football. The Fighting Illini currently have 29 players in the NFL. The Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, and Washington Commanders have three Illini players on their rosters. The Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, and New York Jets have two.

Pihlstrom was an anchor on a tremendous offensive line in 2022.

The Illinois Fighting Illini was one of the best offensive lines in college football last season. Alex Pihlstrom, a center, was an integral part of that offensive line. It became the first offensive line in school history to be a Joe Moore Award nominee. Pihlstrom, an Illinois high school product, worked his way to the top of a depth chart.

The Glen Elyn native is no stranger to hard work. He was a walk-on who started his career as a tight end. By Pihlstrom’s senior year, he transitioned to the offensive line. After seeing some snaps as an offensive guard, Pihlstrom was the Illini’s starting center his last two seasons in Champaign. Pihlstrom was an All-Big Ten Second Team selection and a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection.

Despite a stellar career, he would go undrafted.

Pihlstrom’s versatility makes him valuable.

The New Orleans Saints signed Pihlstrom as an undrafted free agent. His ability to play anywhere on the interior of the offensive line makes him valuable to the Saints. The Saints had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL last season, so Pihlstrom’s ability to play both guard and center increases the possibility he could see snaps as a rookie. Erik McCoy is the projected starter, but he is injury prone. Expect Pihlstron to battle Max Garcia as the backup center during training camp.