Illinois football rookies in the NFL – preseason week 3

Seven Illinois football rookies from last year’s roster will be fighting for their jobs during the final week of the 2022 NFL preseason, and one made a strong closing statement.

After we saw 10 Illini from the 2021 squad get signed to NFL teams, eight have made it to the final round of cuts after two got waived.

Former Illini quarterback Brandon Peters was the first to get waived after not seeing the field at all during his quick stint with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Linebacker Khalan Tolson is the latest Illini to receive the bad news.  The Carolina Panthers cut the four-year Illini after two solid outings.  Tolson recorded five total tackles in the two games, including a three-tackle performance in week two.

Which former Illinois football player still stands going into week three?

Doug Kramer

While fighting for the Chicago Bears’ backup center spot, the former Illini captain suffered a Lisfranc injury to the foot last week and was placed on the team’s injured reserve.  The injury is most likely season-ending.

Kramer had gotten the opportunity of getting first-team reps during training camp after starting center Lucas Patrick fell to injury. Kramer remains optimistic about the future and is determined to bounce back.

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Jake Hansen

Are you wondering who made that strong closing statement?  It was three-time Illini captain linebacker, Jake Hansen.

After putting up two five-tackle performances, Hansen continued to prove his worth in the Houston Texans’ preseason finale with two solo tackles and an interception.

Hansen has likely not only earned a roster spot but has also likely earned consideration for the Texans’ second-string strong-side linebacker spot with 12 tackles and an interception in just three games.

Kerby Joseph

The four-year Illini defensive back pick has been all over the field making tackles but has seen some struggles with coverage through his first two weeks in the league. Joseph has led the team in tackles in both games, racking up seven in his debut and six during week two.

A second-round pick, Joseph is certain to make the final cut.  His objective will be to move up the depth chart, currently listed as the Lions’ third-string strong safety.  He’ll get one last crack at it in the Lions’ preseason finale Sunday at Pittsburgh.

Tony Adams

Tony Adams has made it to the final round of cuts after his two-tackle performance last weekend vs. Atlanta. The defensive back will be fighting for his job this week, however.  Slotted at the New York Jets’ fourth-string strong safety spot, there is no chance the Jets retain four strong safeties.

Adams ended up having a solid final preseason game, finishing the Giants game with four tackles, two of which were for a loss. Now it is a wait-and-see game for Adams and the future with the Jets.

Roderick Perry

Like Adams, Perry’s job was on the line going into the Cleveland Browns’ final week of preseason football. After not seeing the field in week one, Perry totaled two tackles (one solo) in week two and a tackle-for-loss last night vs. Chicago.

Will these two performances be enough for Perry to make the final cut? We will soon find out.

James McCourt

After being waived by the Los Angeles Chargers, McCourt quickly got swooped up by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he is making the most of it.

The former Illini kicker made all eight attempts in the Jags’ practice on Thursday.

Last night, McCourt went 2-of-2, including a 54-yarder.  His competition, backup kicker Jake Verity, missed his lone attempt. According to ESPN, McCourt is listed as the Jags’ starting kicker and there is no reason that should change after this week.

Vederian Lowe

This is the most important week of the former Illini offensive line’s career.

The Minnesota Vikings’ sixth-round pick is likely battling fellow Vikings offensive lineman Oli Udoh for the final backup tackle position.  Seeing many reps with the second team, Lowe has made an “incredible” impression amongst “SKOL Nation”.

Did Lowe make a big enough impression during the Vikings’ preseason slate to make the final cut?  We shall see.

Owen Carney Jr.

After making a strong impression in the first two weeks, Carney is almost guaranteed to make the Miami Dolphins’ 53-man roster.

In the two games, Carney put up a combined total of three tackles, 1.5 sacks, two quarterback hits, and a tackle for loss.

Carney added one more tackle in the Dolphins’ final game last night vs. Philadelphia.