We are in the week of the NFL Draft, and the Illinois football team will leave a mark on this year’s festivities.
In the Bret Bielema era, the Illini have had someone selected in the NFL Draft every season. We have had at least two players selected in four out of the last five drafts, and at least four players selected in two out of the last three NFL Drafts.
The 2026 NFL Draft should have multiple Illinois names called. The first member of the Orange and Blue to hear his name called should be Gabe Jacas.
Here are the Illinois football players who could hear their name called in the 2026 NFL Draft
Luke Altmyer – Quarterback
- ESPN Ranking: #8 Quarterback
- NFL Draft Projection: 7th Round – Priority Free Agent
I think the biggest question mark of who will be selected this week is Luke Altmyer. Illinois fans know his talent, but can he sneak into the back end of the NFL Draft?
ESPN has him as the No. 8 quarterback, which seems like he might be a lock to get selected. But they also had Pat Bryant as a sub-No. 15 wide receiver last year, and he went early. I think Altmyer hears his name called on day three.
JC Davis – Offensive Tackle
- ESPN Ranking: #24 Offensive Tackle
- NFL Draft Projection: 6th-7th Round
The NFL is always looking for pass protectors, and JC Davis has been one of the best in the country the last two seasons. ESPN has him as the No. 24 offensive tackle, and the NFL has Davis going in the sixth or seventh round. I wouldn’t be shocked if Davis goes in the fourth or fifth round.
Gabe Jacas – EDGE
- ESPN Ranking: #7 EDGE
- NFL Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round
Gabe Jacas is a hot name right now. He is someone who could rise in the NFL Draft, and with the way teams panic, who knows how high he can go. I would keep my eye on how the draft is going early. If there are numerous EDGE picks early in the first round, I think Jacas could climb into the early second round.
James Thompson Jr. – Defensive Tackle
- ESPN Ranking: #31 Defensive Tackle
- NFL Draft Projection: Priority Free Agent
There is nothing that jumps off the page to me when it comes to James Thompson Jr. He was a solid defensive tackle for Illinois, but he doesn’t bring a ton of special things to the table. The NFL having him as a priority free agent and not getting drafted makes sense to me.
Josh Gesky – Offensive Guard
- ESPN Ranking: #22 Offensive Guard
- NFL Draft Projection: Undrafted
While Josh Gesky likely won’t get drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, this kid is going to get signed as a free agent. He has a lot to provide, but guard is not an extremely valuable position in the NFL. Look for Gesky to go undrafted but for him to sign and stick around in the NFL for years to come.
Hank Beatty – Wide Receiver
- ESPN Ranking: #53 Wide Receiver
- NFL Draft Projection: Undrafted
I don’t know what is going to happen with Hank Beatty in the NFL Draft. The one thing I do know is that whoever ends up signing him will get one of the biggest steals of the draft. Beatty has the ability to be a rock in an offense. He can be your go-to guy, and he is always on the field and reliable.
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