Senior Bowl 2023 Rosters: Which Illini are playing the Senior Bowl?

The Illinois football team is about to put multiple players in the NFL Draft once again.

Before the draft process begins, a few Illini players have a chance to show off their skills in one of the most prestigious scouting bowls in the country.

The Reese’s Senior Bowl is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 4. This game features the National Team against the American Team and will display some of the top talent from around the country. Illinois fans should be engaged in this game, as there are some familiar faces who will be suiting up.

Here are the Illini who are playing in the Reese’s Senior Bowl in 2023.

Sydney Brown – Safety

One of the best safeties in all of college football is lacing up the cleats for the National Team on Saturday. Sydney Brown doesn’t get enough shine for his career at Illinois.

Brown would finish his final season up in Champaign with 59 tackles, seven pass deflections, six interceptions, one touchdown, one forced fumble, and one sack. He was everywhere on the field and is about to make a name for himself in the Senior Bowl.

According to Pro Football Focus, Brown is one of the highest-graded Illini in the NFL Draft. He is ranked No. 58 on their big board, which means he will likely go in the top three rounds in April.

Quan Martin – Cornerback

Illinois is sending multiple players into the NFL Draft, and I think a team will get a steal with Quan Martin. He had a really good career in Champaign, but he hasn’t been talked about enough in the draft process. Martin will now suit up for the National Team in the Senior Bowl.

Martin would end his Illinois career strong. He would finish his final season with 64 tackles, 11 pass deflections, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one sack. His 64 tackles were second on the team.

Pro Football Focus doesn’t rate him as highly as some other Illinois players, but Martin is still No. 124 on their big board. Look for a team to select Martin somewhere between rounds four and six. He will be a steal for whatever franchise selects him.

Chase Brown – Running Back

Illinois fans had a chance to watch one of the best running backs in program history this past season. Chase Brown was special, and his great play is going to get him selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. He also has a chance to raise his draft stock by performing well for the National Team in the Senior Bowl.

If Brown would have played in the ReliaQuest Bowl, he would have set the Illinois single-season rushing record. That is how good he was in 2022. He would finish with 1,643 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. I think he is extremely valuable at the next level because he can catch the ball. Brown would add 240 yards and three touchdowns through the air.

Pro Football Focus doesn’t have Brown ranked too high on their big board. He only checks in at No. 129, but I believe that has a lot to do with how NFL teams value the running back position. I can see Brown coming out and being like a Christian McCaffrey type of player. This kid has so much talent.