Illinois Football: Former Illini players show out in the NFL

12 former Illinois football players saw action during week four of the NFL season, and several had noteworthy performances with one even making his first career start.

The tide is rapidly changing for the Illini.  Along with this season’s success – sitting atop the Big Ten West at 4-1 – its former players are continuing to pave the Illini-to-NFL pipeline.

Here is who showed out for the Illinois football team this past weekend in the NFL.

Kerby Joseph

Joseph made his first career start for the Detroit Lions during their 48-45 loss to Seattle.  The defensive back’s name was called after starting free safety Tracy Walker suffered an Achilles injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season.

The first couple of targets for Joseph were ones to forget.  A coverage mistake left Seahawks tight end Colby Parkinson wide-open for a 15-yard reception.  The very next play was a 17-yard touchdown to his man, Will Dissly.

Joseph was able to recoup after the early struggles, allowing just two catches for 32 yards on three targets.  He also posted three solo tackles, including a tackle-for-loss.  Pro Football Focus ranked him as the team’s highest-graded defender.

Still slated as the starting strong safety, Joseph and the Lions visit New England on Sunday for week five.

Justin Hardee

Hardee is not taking his special teams role with the New York Jets for granted.

The Jets’ captain took advantage of his 19 snaps on Sunday, recording a tackle and forcing a fumble in New York’s 24-20 win over Pittsburgh.  He graded at 91.3 and is ranked top-three in the league with a 90.0 grade through week four, according to PFF.

The Jets host Miami on Sunday.

Nate Hobbs

Dare I even say, Nate Hobbs is making a case for Defensive Player of the Year?

Hobbs had another eye-catching outing to prove this argument.  The defensive back posted three solo tackles, a sack, and defended a pass in the Raiders’ 32-23 win over Denver.

This includes an acrobatic play that left many thinking “how in the world did he just do that?”

https://twitter.com/RaidersBeat/status/1577314926221295616?s=20&t=k4_DOcJSnixAGj5wXlOpEA

Through four games, Hobbs has 22 tackles, a forced fumble, two passes defended, two tackles-for-loss, and a sack.  PFF grades Hobbs the third-highest on the team at 81.3.

Hobbs will be tested by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football.

Jihad Ward

Ward had his way with the Chicago Bears offense during the New York Giants 20-12 victory.

The linebacker wreaked havoc in the backfield, posting two quarterback hits, a sack, and a tackle-for-loss to go along with his four tackles.

Along with his success at getting into the backfield, Ward has been more than effective in the Giants’ run stop.

Ward and the Giants’ defense will look to rattle future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers to improve to 4-1 on Sunday night.

Dawuane Smoot

A relatively quiet day but the defensive lineman was able to find his way in the backfield for a sack in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 29-21 loss at Philadelphia.

Smoot has been one of the most crucial pieces to this Jaguars’ defensive line, ranking second on the team in sacks (1.5) and forced fumbles (1).

The Jaguars host division rival Houston on Sunday.

Chase McLaughlin

Coming off a perfect 2022 debut, McLaughlin scored five points in the Colts’ 24-17 loss to Tennessee.  He converted both extra point attempts but missed one of his two field goal attempts.  He was successful on a 27-yarder but missed from 51.

With a chance at redemption, McLaughlin delivered on Thursday night.

McLaughlin scored all 12 points in the Colts’ 12-9 win over Denver. He hit each of his four attempts, the longest from 51 out.