Bret Bielema took over the Illinois football program just five years ago, named as the Fighting Illini's head coach in 2021.
Since then, he has taken the Illinois Fighting Illini toward the top of the Big Ten and has transformed the program into one of the more elite teams in the nation.
That much has proven to be true as the NFL Drafts have unfolded since Bielema took hold of the reins in Champaign.
Since the 2022 NFL Draft, the first one under Bielema's tenure, Illinois has had at least three players taken in four of the last five Drafts. In other words, Bielema isn't just coaching the Illini well on the field; he's also preparing and developing them for the next level.
Illinois players picked in 2026 NFL Draft
- Gabe Jacas, DE, New England Patriots, Round 2, Pick 55
- J.C. Davis, T, New York Giants, Round 6, Pick 192
- Miles Scott, DB, Denver Broncos, Round 7, Pick 246
This year, three Fighting Illini stars were taken throughout the seven rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, with defensive end Gabe Jacas being the first Illinois player off the board, hearing his name called during the second round.
Illinois players picked in 2025 NFL Draft
- Pat Bryant, WR, Denver Broncos, Round 3, Pick 74
2025 was the only year that the Illini have not seen multiple draft picks since Bielema took over the program, as wide receiver Pat Bryant was the only Illinois player to be selected.
Illinois players picked in 2024 NFL Draft
- Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Washington Commanders, Round 2, Pick 36
- Isaiah Adams, G, Arizona Cardinals, Round 3, Pick 71
- Tip Reiman, TE, Arizona Cardinals, Round 3, Pick 82
- Casey Washington, WR, Atlanta Falcons, Round 6, Pick 187
2024 was the second year in a row that Illinois had four players picked throughout the Draft, including defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton going 36th overall, and two players hearing their names called during the third round.
Illinois players picked in 2023 NFL Draft
- Devon Witherspoon, DB, Seattle, Seahawks, Round 1, Pick 5
- Jartavius Martin, DB, Washington Commanders, Round 2, Pick 47
- Sydney Brown, DB, Philadelphia Eagles, Round 3, Pick 66
- Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals, Round 5, Pick 163
The highest draft pick the Illini have seen under Bielema was defensive back Devon Witherspoon, going fifth overall to the Seattle Seahawks.
Illinois players picked in 2022 NFL Draft
- Kerby Joseph, DB, Detroit Lions, Round 3, Pick 97
- Vederian Lowe, T, Minnesota Vikings, Round 6, Pick 184
- Doug Kramer, G, Chicago Bears, Round 6, Pick 207
The first NFL Draft that the Illini went through with Bielema as head coach already paid dividends, with three Illinois stars getting drafted. Defensive back Kerby Joseph was the highest pick, going 97th overall to the Detroit Lions.
Add us as a preferred source on Google