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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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Nov 5, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Chunky Clements (11) pressures Michigan State Spartans quarterback Damion Terry (6) on a throw during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Illinois beat Michigan State 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Chunky Clements (11) pressures Michigan State Spartans quarterback Damion Terry (6) on a throw during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Illinois beat Michigan State 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /

Chunky Clements

A part of that great Illini defensive line was Chunky Clements. He was the Illini defensive tackle that really helped clog up the lanes.

The projection for Clements is the same as Nickerson. There is the possibility of him getting drafted at the very end, but then he could also be a top undrafted free agent.

No matter what, though, Clements is going to get a shot to be a good defensive tackle for some NFL team. He has the size and athletic ability to make an impact.

There are at least three teams that could take Clements late in the draft. Specifically, the three teams I am looking at are the Houston Texans, Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers.

The current projected starting nose tackle for the Houston Texans is DJ Reader. He is a good player but they are relying on someone who was only a fifth-round pick last season. There is room for Clements to come in and at least be a backup.

Oakland also needs some defensive tackle help. They have a handful of players who haven’t proved much on the defensive line and I would like to see Clements on the same squad as former teammate Jihad Ward.

Once again, I think the Packers could use more defensive help. Their line is a mess and getting someone like Clements in there would help stabilize that position.

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