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NFL preseason schedule for each Illinois football rookie

By Collin Allen

Nov 6, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Kerby Joseph (25) celebrates an interception to win the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Kerby Joseph (25) celebrates an interception to win the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 04: Vederian Lowe #OL29 of the Illinois Illini runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 04: Vederian Lowe #OL29 of the Illinois Illini runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

  • Vederian Lowe

Vederian Lowe became the second drafted Illini when the Minnesota Vikings took him with pick No. 5 in the sixth round.

ESPN has Lowe slated as the third-string left tackle for the Vikings.  The likelihood of Lowe earning a starting left tackle spot is very slim, as former first-round selection Christian Darrisaw holds the position.

The option for Lowe to play other positions on the Vikings’ offensive line would take time and development given that he only played left tackle during his time at Illinois.

Lowe will suit up in Purple & Gold for the first time when Minnesota opens its preseason slate at Las Vegas to take on the Raiders on Sunday, Aug 14 at 3:25 p.m. CT.

  • @ Raiders – Sunday, Aug 14 @ 3:25 p.m. CT
  • Vs. San Francisco – Saturday, Aug 20 @ 6:00 p.m. CT
  • @ Denver – Saturday, Aug 27 @ 8:00 p.m. CT

Doug Kramer

Doug Kramer will get to play the “hometown hero” role as he was taken by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round at No. 207 overall.

ESPN’s depth chart has Kramer listed as the team’s third-string center, which could easily change.  The Bears have seen many recent struggles with its offensive line, which gave up a league-high 58 sacks last season.

Chicago is for anything to help this unit to protect its second-year quarterback Justin Fields, who the team traded up to pick at No. 11 in 2021.

Kramer will make his Bears debut when Chicago hosts the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, Aug 13 at 12:00 p.m. CT.

  • Vs. Kansas City – Saturday, Aug 13 @ 12:00 p.m. CT
  • @ Seattle – Thursday, Aug 18 @ 7:00 p.m. CT
  • @ Cleveland – Saturday, Aug 27 @ 6:00 p.m. CT
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