Illinois Football: 3 Illini who could get selected in the 2021 NFL Draft

The Illinois football team has some talented players on the roster who have the potential to get drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Having NFL potential on a roster as we do with the Fighting Illini is nice. I don’t think there is a player who has a sure chance to get drafted. But, since Lovie Smith has taken over, I feel as if the NFL potential on this team has gone up.

Illinois failed to have a player drafted in the 2020 NFL draft. The most recent Illini player to get drafted was Nick Allegretti by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019. He was drafted with the 216th overall pick in the seventh round.  Before Allegretti, you would have to go back to the Duwane Smoot who was taken in 2017 by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round.

This could change next year, though. I think there are players on the team who could be picked by an NFL organization. Here are three players I think could get taken in the 2021 NFL Draft.

1. Nate Hobbs

Nate Hobbs is heading into his senior season with the Illini. His junior year stats consisted of 9 pass deflections, 1 interception and 67 total tackles.

Hobbs has good size for a corner as he stands at 6-foot tall and 190 pounds. So, his size could translate well in the NFL. At times last season, he did get beat in man coverage, but he did well in zone coverage. If he has a good senior season, expect to see Hobbs’ name in some mock drafts.

2. Josh Imatorbhebhe

Josh Imatorbhebhe is also entering his senior year this upcoming season. Imatorbhebhe’s junior season stats consisted of 634 receiving yards, 33 receptions and 9 touchdowns. He has great size as he stands at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds.

Imatorbhebhe proved this past season that he can win jump balls and create space on routes. He has the most NFL potential on this roster, in my opinion. If he can get better at his route running, he will have NFL scouts watching him.

3.  Blake Hayes

Blake Hayes is the final player on this list, and he too is entering his senior year with the program.  Hayes is one of the best punters in college football. He punted for 3,437 yards while averaging 44.6 yards per punt in his junior season.

Hayes did a tremendous job of pinning teams deep in their own territory. Most teams don’t take punters in the draft, but if Hayes has a good season, you may see a team take a chance on him.

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