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Illinois Football: 5 players who could be selected in 2017 NFL Draft

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 28, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the NFL seal logo during the NFL Annual Meetings at the Biltmore Resort. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the NFL seal logo during the NFL Annual Meetings at the Biltmore Resort. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Carroll Phillips participates in a workout drill during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Carroll Phillips participates in a workout drill during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Carroll Phillips

Smoot’s running mate from last season on the other side of the defensive line was Carroll Phillips. He is also expected to be drafted in this upcoming NFL Draft.

Phillips is projected to be drafted somewhere in rounds four and five, but with his talents, he could be drafted higher, in my opinion.

The NFL is going to select Phillips as an outside linebacker, though. This is not a surprise given his size and ability to cover the running back out of the backfield.

The three teams that I have likely picking Phillips in this upcoming draft are the Carolina Panthers, San Diego Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals.

A lot of teams are set at outside linebacker, but there are a few teams who could use some depth. I think the Panthers are one of those teams. They have an aging Thomas Davis who will need a backup in a year or two. There is room to groom a replacement for him.

The Chargers are another team that could use another outside linebacker. One of their starters is a fifth-round draft pick from 2015. I could see Phillips going in and competing for the starting job within a year or two.

Cincinnati is the final team I am looking at Phillips landing. They could use a backup for their strongside linebacker who was a sixth-round pick in 2014. He could come in and put pressure on the starter in the first few seasons.

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