Illinois Football: Brandon Peters will “benefit the most” from 2020 season

Illinois football quarterback Brandon Peters has been considered the top quarterback in the Big Ten who will benefit the most from playing in 2020.

Executive director of the Reese’s Senior Bowl and ESPN NFL draft analyst Jim Nagy tweeted a list of “Big Ten draft prospects that benefit most from having 2020 tape (listed by position).”

Peters was the quarterback on the list.  Peters was the lone Illini as Michigan running back Chris Evans, Wisconsin fullback Mason Stokke, Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Michigan tight end Nick Eubanks, and Iowa offensive lineman Coy Cronk were the other offensive players listed.

This is just one of many honors the 6-foot-5 quarterback has received this off-season.  The former Michigan gunslinger was named to the Reese’s Top-250 Seniors list, the Maxwell Award watch list, and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch list.  Additionally, Peters received high grades from Pro Football Focus.

During his junior season in 2019, Peters threw for 1,884 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, and had an impressive QB-rating of 128.6.  He led the Illini to six wins as a starter but missed two games due to injury.

Peters undoubtedly deserved to make this list of draft prospects and will look to build off of his superb 2019 season while building on his 2021 NFL Draft resume.

What other Fighting Illini deserved to be included in the lists of top Big Ten offensive prospects?

Considering Illinois has the highest-graded returning offensive line in the Big Ten, one could argue a couple of different Illini offensive linemen could be included on the list.  Either of the senior linemen Alec Palczewski or Doug Kramer could have been included.

Like Peters, Kramer was named to the Reese’s Top-250 Seniors list.  The three-year starter (soon to be four) was named to the Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten third team, Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten fourth team, and the Wuerffel Trophy watch list.

Palczewski, who is also going to be a four-year starter, was given much recognition this offseason.  The senior offensive tackle was named to the Phil Steele All-Big Ten third team like Kramer, and the Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten third team.  Palczewski is also included on the Outland Trophy watch list.

Hopefully, the deserving senior linemen take their anger out in the season opener as they visit the Wisconsin Badgers on October 24.