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Illinois Football: Top 5 Illini prospects for the 2022 NFL Draft

By Rees Woodcock

Oct 12, 2019; Champaign, IL, USA; An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet sits on the field as players stretch before the start of the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Allio-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2019; Champaign, IL, USA; An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet sits on the field as players stretch before the start of the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Allio-USA TODAY Sports /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – DECEMBER 19: Owen Carney Jr. #99 of the Illinois Fighting Illini lines up against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half at Beaver Stadium on December 19, 2020 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

For the first time since 2016, the Illinois football team had two players selected in the NFL Draft.

This should start becoming the norm, though. Illinois has talent on the team, and Bret Bielema is bringing in even more talent. Look for players from the Illini to get picked in the draft every year from now on.

With that being said, the 2022 NFL Draft is less than a year out. Who are some of the names the Illini could see in the draft next year?

Here are the top five Illinois football prospects for the 2022 NFL Draft.

1. Owen Carney Jr.

I would argue the best player Illinois has on the team entering the 2021 campaign is defensive end, Owen Carney Jr. The kid has been a monster since he started suiting up for the program back in 2017, and he will be a key part of the defense this season.

Why will Carney be one of the next Illinois football players picked?

  • Availability

NFL teams want a durable player who can come in and not be injury-prone from the get-go. Carney has been that for Illinois. He has started or played in a total of 43 games for Illinois in his four seasons with the program. This includes starting all eight games last season. He is an iron man when it comes to playing.

  • Talent

Obviously, NFL teams want talent, and Carney brings plenty to the table. As a senior in 2020, he finished the eight-game season with 28 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 5 sacks and a forced fumble. He was also voted by the media and the coaches as an All-Big Ten second team player. The talent is there for Carney to get to the next level.

  • Need

Carney plays an important role on the football field. He has been a sensational defensive end, and it looks like Bret Bielema is switching him to outside linebacker for the upcoming season. Size-wise, I actually like Carney as a linebacker. But both defensive end and outside linebacker are a big need in the NFL. Carney can fit both well.

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