Illinois football is bowl eligible for the third time in five years under Bret Bielema. As has been stated here previously, Bielema’s tenure has been an overall success. The results on the field have translated
to a higher level of Illinois players entering the NFL. And on this senior-laden roster, there are plenty of NFL prospects for whom the stakes for the rest of the season are astronomically high.
Here are five dudes who can make themselves a few extra millions over the next month.
Tanner Arkin
Arkin is a similar pro prospect to current Arizona Cardinal Tip Reiman. Both were transfers from Group of 5 schools. Both are better known for their blocking prowess. And neither put up the kinds of numbers that would make someone think “day two draft pick.”
The NFL presence of people like A.J. Derby and (currently) Hunter Henry remind NFL execs that Bret Bielema knows what he’s doing in developing tight ends. Arkin’s offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. was Bielema’s tight ends coach at Arkansas. The level of trust the staff has in Arkin has been evident in his snap counts over the past two years.
If Arkin shows he can impact the game in-line and as a receiver, he could find himself having his name called in this year’s draft.
J.C. Davis
Davis is nearly certain to get drafted. But where he gets drafted will determine a lot.
And I don’t just mean what round and selection number.
What position will Davis play in the NFL?
The Maryland game will be a significant test for Davis’ left tackle bona fides for the next level. Maryland has an athletic defensive front with dudes who will play in the NFL coming off the edge. Davis will undoubtedly have plenty of eyes on him. And if he demonstrates the athletic traits and technique of a consistent left tackle, he could have his name called as early as the end of day two.
But if he projects more like a guard or right tackle, then he could be a day three pick. Either way, returning to Illinois seems like the right move for the big Californian.
Xavier Scott
Obviously, this one is the trickiest of the bunch.
Xavier Scott is unlikely to see the field in the next several weeks. But when pro day/combine season rolls around, Scott could put himself in prime draft position by…progressing.
Scott’s on-the-field credentials are pretty impeccable. He has the physical tools, productivity, and technique to be the next Illini Florida NFL DB success story.
But he is dealing with what appears to be a serious lower body injury. As his recovery progresses, his NFL future will crystalize. And sure, that future may have to wait a year.
He could theoretically be a massive retention for Bret Bielema and Aaron Henry. Or, he could wind up healthy during the draft+
process.
I think we all know how well the young man will perform during interviews. That could send him early on day three.
Luke Altmyer
This one is pretty obvious. Luke Altmyer has demonstrated an NFL-worthy mix of productivity, escapability, playmaking, leadership, intangibles, and winning. He looks like the kind of QB that goes off the board late on day two or early on day three.
At 6’2 and over 200 pounds, Altmyer has the size to play in the NFL. His dual threat ability makes him an excellent scheme backup QB for multiple offensive staffs.
He has the chance to be the first Illinois QB since Nathan Scheelhaase (2010-2011) to lead the Illini to bowl wins in back-to-back seasons.
(Be prepared: he also has the opportunity to sit out the bowl game).
But a few clutch throws in cold weather along with continuing to not turn the ball over could cement Altmyer’s reputation. Some advanced playmaking (hitting darts on the run in daunting conditions, breaking off big runs) could actually improve his stock and see him taken in the “we see you as a backup, but the kind who will stick in the league for a long time” range of early-mid day two.
Gabe Jacas
It’s difficult to analyze Gabe Jacas’ year. He has 6.5 sacks. which puts him fourth in the conference. He is also among the conference leaders in pressures. So he is making his presence known in the backfield.
Essentially, Gabe is having an excellent season but doing so quietly.
And the “quietly” part is the issue. He has not ripped the cover off the book and looked like the dominant, highlight reel performer a lot of people were expecting. While he has continued to play well and make a massive impact on a defense that certainly needs his talent, Jacas has not been the nationally-discussed edge presence who is an obvious first round selection this season.
To some, that will be a disappointment.
Jacas ranks 50th on PFF’s big board. Walter Football has him ranked 41. Meanwhile, Mel Kiper and Dane Brugler do not in clude him on either of their boards. So there is significant variance regarding where on day two Jacas could land. But an impactful stretch run and superb athletic testing, and we may be talking about someone who actually gets his name called by Roger Gooddell.
