Writing Illini
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 7
Next
Wisconsin’s Garrett Groshek stiff-arms Illinois linebacker Jake Hansen during the fourth quarter.Mjs Uwgrid20 22 Hoffman Jpg Uwgrid20
Wisconsin’s Garrett Groshek stiff-arms Illinois linebacker Jake Hansen during the fourth quarter.Mjs Uwgrid20 22 Hoffman Jpg Uwgrid20 /

Jake Hansen

If Jake Hansen would have stayed healthy at Illinois, then he would have gone down as one of the greatest to ever suit up for the Orange and Blue. He had one of the hardest running motors on the team.

In 2020, Hansen had a great year with the Illini and made the All-Big Ten second team by the media. He was also graded as the No. 3 tackler in the country by Pro Football Focus. Hansen was on pace to have another great year in 2021, but he missed a lot of the season due to a knee injury.

Hansen was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and NFL.com has his grade at a 5.88, which is the third-best by an Illini. Even with that grade, neither the NFL nor CBS have Hansen getting picked in the 2022 NFL Draft. While he might not get picked, there is no doubt Hansen will be a priority free agent.

There are numerous teams who could use a strong linebacker like Hansen, but I also want him to go to an organization that knows how to develop defensive talent. The first team that sticks out to me is the Pittsburgh Steelers. They have a good one-two punch in Devin Bush and Myles Jack, but depth isn’t great and this would be the optimal landing spot for Hansen.

I wouldn’t mind seeing Hansen land with the Dallas Cowboys. Micah Parsons is their middle linebacker right now, so there isn’t a hurry to start. He would get a chance to be coached by Dan Quinn, who is a good defensive coordinator.

And the final team that I want to see pick Hansen is the New England Patriots. Bill Belichick is a great defensive mind, so having him develop Hansen would be great for his game.

Teams to watch

  • Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Dallas Cowboys
  • New England Patriots
Home/Illinois Football