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Illinois Football: Illini prospects for the 2022 NFL Draft

By Rees Woodcock

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the NFL shield logo before the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the NFL shield logo before the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois offensive lineman Vederian Lowe (79) blocks Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis (5) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.Cfb Purdue Vs Illinois
Illinois offensive lineman Vederian Lowe (79) blocks Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis (5) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.Cfb Purdue Vs Illinois /

Vederian Lowe

As the passing game gets more and more important in the NFL, so does building offensive line talent. That is why Vederian Lowe is a hot name at offensive tackle in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Lowe was one of the most reliable players Illinois had on the football team. He spent five years with the Illini and managed to rack up 52 career starts. Lowe was All-Big Ten honorable mention in his final season with Illinois, and he was the No. 31 ranked tackle by Pro Football Focus.

NFL.com has Lowe graded at 6.00. Both full mock drafts have Lowe getting picked in the NFL Draft. In the NFL’s mock draft, they have him getting picked in the fifth round with pick No. 161 by the New Orleans Saints. The CBS mock draft has Lowe going to the Los Angeles Rams in the sixth round with pick No. 218.

Both of these destinations would be great for Lowe. The Rams are coming off a Super Bowl win and will need to pay players. They are also losing left tackle Andrew Whitworth, so he will need to be replaced. I like the Saints landing spot because they need someone to protect Jameis Winston so he stops getting hurt.

There are a couple of other teams that could be a good landing spot for Lowe. The Chicago Bears are always looking for offensive line help. Someone needs to protect Justin Fields before he gets seriously injured. I think the Cincinnati Bengals are another intriguing option.

Teams to watch

  • Chicago Bears
  • Los Angeles Rams
  • Cincinnati Bengals
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