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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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LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback AJ Bush Jr. #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini and offensive lineman Nick Allegretti #53 and offensive lineman Alex Palczewski #63 and offensive lineman Kendrick Green #55 and offensive lineman Vederian Lowe #79 lead the team on the field against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

4. Vederian Lowe

Illinois has a couple of offensive linemen on the list of players who are next to be picked in the NFL Draft. I have Vederian Lowe getting selected in 2022. The big man is a great offensive tackle who will only continue to get better. I see him being, arguably, the most important piece for the Illini this season.

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

  • Need

I would say the tackle position, specifically on the quarterback’s blindside, is one of the most important positions in football. That is why Lowe will be a wanted man in 2022. He is an outstanding left tackle who will help a team protect their most valuable asset in the quarterback. Just in the first round alone, there were four offensive tackles selected in 2021. Overall, there were 24 offensive tackles selected this year. Lowe plays a very wanted position.

  • Durability

With an offensive line, you want players who can consistently play. Having an offensive line unit that has played together for years is invaluable. The ability to play together and to gel helps the offense move more fluidly. That is why Lowe’s durability is key in helping him get drafted. He has started 34 straight games for the Illini and has started 40 games for his career so far. This kid is always there for the program, and he would always be there for an NFL team.

  • Size

Lowe is a monster on the outside for the Illinois offensive line. Checking in at 6-foot-6, 320-pounds, the talented offensive lineman has the size to play the position at the next level. He also moves well for his size, which is a huge asset. Lowe is able to get off the line quick enough to block defensive ends. This is sometimes an issue for linemen of his size, but that isn’t the case at all with Lowe.

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