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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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CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 07: Benjamin St-Juste #25 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers defends a pass against Brian Hightower #14 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the second quarter of the game at Memorial Stadium on November 7, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 07: Benjamin St-Juste #25 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers defends a pass against Brian Hightower #14 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the second quarter of the game at Memorial Stadium on November 7, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

5. Brian Hightower

I believe Illinois is going to be an improved team this season, and one of the reasons is that players like Brian Hightower will be able to step up into a more prominent role. He finally got a chance to suit up for Illinois last season and showed sparks of greatness out wide.

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

  • Playmaking ability

Illinois’ quarterback situation was a mess last season. They had four different starters in the eight total games, and this usually doesn’t bode well for quarterback-wide receiver chemistry. But Hightower still emerged as a dangerous weapon. He led the team in receiving in two games. His three touchdowns led the team for the season. I loved what I saw out of Hightower in the little we actually got to see him play. With a full season coming up, look for Hightower to move into the No. 1 position for the Illini and to have a breakout year.

  • Size

It is fun to have a little slot receiver like the New England Patriots had for years, but NFL teams are also looking for that big playmaker who can go up and get a ball. With Hightower checking in at 6-foot-3, 210-pounds, he fits the mold of what NFL teams are wanting. Not a lot of teams have a big wide receiver like Hightower. The best I can think of is DK Metcalf. That is why I think Hightower has a good shot to get picked in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Next. Pittsburgh Steelers get a steal with Kendrick Green. dark

  • Need

You want to see a position of need? Look no further than at wide receiver. Teams need wide receivers and are always looking for the next playmaker. 36 total wide receivers were picked in the 2021 NFL Draft with five of those selections coming in the first round alone. If Hightower can put up a really good season that sees him near or past 1,000 yards receiving, then I have no doubt you will hear his name called on draft night.

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