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Illinois Football: 5 Players Drafted in the 2016 NFL Draft

ByRees Woodcock|
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Sep 27, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Imani Cross (32) scores a touchdown against Illinois Fighting Illni defender Mason Monheim (43) in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 45-14. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Monheim might be the highest draft pick the Illini have in 2016.  He is a 3-year starter at linebacker that looks to have a tremendous senior season.

Illinois football did not have a good defense last year.  They were consistently one of the worse but that is going to change in 2015.

Monheim has this senior season to show all the NFL scouts that he is worthy of the next level.  Just the way he is built screams next level linebacker to me, let alone his stats over the years.

Monheim is consistently all over the field.  He has increased his tackles every season since joining the Illinois football program.

His freshman season saw him rack up 86 total tackles followed by a great sophomore campaign with 97 total tackles.

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Monheim’s junior season proved to be the best though.  He had 111 total tackles last season and added in another sack.  He also had 2 interceptions and one of those was run back for a touchdown.   His defensive dominance didn’t stop there though.  Monheim continued to rack up stats as he forced 4 fumbles.

He is going to be a great Illinois football linebacker when it is all said and done.  This will translate into the NFL as well.

I look for Monheim to be drafted late 1st round to early 2nd round in 2016.

Monheim will be drafted in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Next: Illinois Football List of Signed Undrafted Free Agents

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