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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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Nov 17, 2018; Champaign, IL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) blocks the punt from Illinois Fighting Illini punter Blake Hayes (14) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2018; Champaign, IL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) blocks the punt from Illinois Fighting Illini punter Blake Hayes (14) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /

Blake Hayes

Illinois is always known for special teams, and Blake Hayes helped bolster that great reputation. He was one of the best punters in program history. There is no doubt he will land with an NFL team in 2022.

Hayes had a historic career with the Illini. In his final season with the program, he was All-Big Ten third team by the coaches. He was also a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award. Hayes would set numerous records for Illinois, and he was even nimble on his feet as he rushed for multiple first downs during his career.

NFL.com has Hayes graded at 5.59. It is rare to see a punter drafted into the NFL, so both the NFL and CBS do not have him getting picked. But Hayes will land with a team within 24 hours of the draft being completed.

There are multiple teams in the NFL that need a good punter. The Los Angeles Chargers have a great offense and a building defense, but they were the worst team in the NFL in landing punts inside the 20-yard line. They also had the worst punting distance average in the league.

Much like the Chargers, the Buffalo Bills are close to breaking through. They need to hone in their special teams, as they were the sixth-worst team in the NFL in punts inside the 20-yard line. Another landing spot could be the Carolina Panthers. They were in the bottom seven in both punts inside the 20-yard line and punting yard average in 2021.

Teams to watch

  • Los Angeles Chargers
  • Buffalo Bills
  • Carolina Panthers
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