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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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PISCATAWAY, NJ – NOVEMBER 14: Roderick Perry II #96 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on from the sideline against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the third quarter at SHI Stadium on November 14, 2020 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Illinois defeated Rutgers 23-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /

3. Rod Perry II

One of the best offseason additions to the Illinois football team last season was defensive tackle, Rod Perry II. He helped make a big difference in the front four for the Illini, and I expect him to be even better under Bret Bielema and his regime.

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

  • Build

Every NFL team is looking for a big man who can move on the football field. Perry fits that bill. Standing at 6-foot-2, 315-pounds, the defensive tackle has the size to cause chaos in the middle of any NFL defensive line. In addition to his pure size, Perry can move well off the ball, enabling him to get into the offensive line early in the play. This is going to be important at the next level.

  • Talent

Illinois received Perry in the offseason last year, and he brought a ton of accolades with him. While with FCS South Carolina State, Perry was a preseason first-team All-American and the best defensive tackle in the nation. He was dominant in the center of that line but decided to take his talents to the FBS level. In his first season with the Illini, Perry was an All-Big Ten honorable mention defensive tackle by both the media and coaches. It wouldn’t shock me to see Perry as a first or second team All-Big Ten player this year.

  • Need

The trenches are always a need for NFL teams. While there wasn’t a rush to snag a defensive tackle in the early rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft, there were a total of 19 defensive tackles selected overall. So, the need is still there for NFL teams. This is a position that is extremely important. The fact Perry plays an important position that tends to have numerous players drafted bodes well for his draft hopes in 2022.

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