Illini in the NFL: Projections for the 2025-26 season
Former Illinois Fighting Illini players in the NFL.
With the NFL preseason just weeks away, Orange and Blue News breaks down the expectations for the former Illini preparing to suit up in the 2025 season. We look at every Illinois alum who has inked an NFL deal or who was active in the league within the last twelve months.
In total, 29 players cracked the list, up from nine total when Bret Bielema was hired in 2020. Of the nine pre-Bielema players, six (Ted Karras, Dawuane Smoot, Jihad Ward, Justin Hardee, Nick Allegretti, and Chase McLaughlin) are still active. A net gain of 23 pro-players over 4.5 years is certainly a step in the right direction.
Projections are based on the roles each player is projected to play for their team. My projections are based on a few criteria: Contract value, on-field performance, stats, accolades, team listed depth-charts, other signings, and of course the eye-test. Players are broken into 5 categories to organize the chaos, ranging from “star” to “practice squad”.
STARS
KERBY JOSEPH, SAFETY, DETROIT LIONS
The Lions recently gave Joseph a four‑year, $86 million extension, making him the highest‑paid safety in NFL history. In 2024, he led the NFL with nine interceptions, added 83 tackles and 12 pass breakups over 17 starts, earning First‑Team All‑Pro honors. At just 24, Joseph projects to remain Detroit’s clear starter at free safety, anchoring an improving secondary for one of the NFL’s best franchises for the foreseeable future. The only negative here is that the cap hit from Joseph’s contract, roughly 21.5 million, may become a limitation for Detroit as they look to re-sign key assets in the next two years including Jahmyr Gibbs, Aidan Hutchinson, Brian Branch, Sam LaPorta, and Jameson Williams. For Kerby, the solution is simple, continue to perform and your spot is safe.
CHASE BROWN, RUNNING BACK, CINCINNATI BENGALS
Chase Brown racked up 990 rushing yards, 360 receiving yards, and 12 total touchdowns in 2024 following Zack Moss’s injury. For 2025, there are four main backs competing for snaps in Brown, Samaje Perine, Zack Moss and rookie Tahj Brooks. Following last season’s production, along with early buzz from camp, the expectation is Chase will earn the majority of reps this season. The opportunity share will be there for Brown to elevate from starter status to that of a star player. In the Bengals’ pass-heavy system, Chase’s ability to generate positive yardage on dump off passes, as well as the slight growth in his pass-blocking abilities bode well for his usage. The only risks that hinder a potential breakout are health, as he has dealt with multiple minor injuries throughout his career, as well as depth, as the Bengals have plenty of second options at RB in the case where Brown struggles. With the current quality of top-end RBs in the league, it’s unlikely that Brown would edge out Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley for an All-Pro nod, but with strong production a Pro-Bowl recognition could be a realistic ceiling for the season.
DEVON WITHERSPOON, CORNERBACK, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Witherspoon enters 2025 as one of the premier young cornerbacks in the league and one of the top former Illini in the NFL. After a stellar rookie year in 2023, where he posted highlighted by 79 Tackles, 16 PBUs, 3 Sacks, and a 97-yard pick-six, he then followed up in 2024 with 98 Tackles and 9 PBUs, while playing nearly every defensive snap. The slight dip in production in his second year is more so a symptom of teams being less inclined to test him in the passing game than the prior season. On an efficiency basis, he was similar year-to-year in coverage. In 2025, PFF graded him out as a 90.3 in run defender, a top-10 overall mark for his position. A two-time Pro Bowler already, Witherspoon is Seattle’s defensive centerpiece and a young star in the NFC West. If he benefits from higher turnover numbers this season, he’ll likely be in All-Pro conversations.
Starters
CHASE MCLAUGHLIN, KICKER, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
McLaughlin is a veteran who has had multiple stints across the league. The last couple years he has stuck in Tampa, after beating out former Georgia kicker Rodrigo Blankenship in 2023. In 2024 McLaughlin went 30/32 on field goal attempts. If he can maintain similar consistency he will remain a plus level starting kicker for a long time in the league.
TED KARRAS, OFFENSIVE LINEMAN, CINCINNATI BENGALS
Karras is an established interior lineman, with stops in Miami and New England prior to joining the Bengals. In Cincinnati, he’s slated to make 4.2 million in base salary compensation this year, and is again expected to be a key starter for a team looking to be a playoff contender. Now aged 32, Karras is in the veteran era of his career. During his last handful of years he looks to bring back stability to a rebuilding Bengals o-line that desperately needs to continue upgrading to better protect star quarterback Joe Burrow.
NICK ALLEGRETTI, OFFENSIVE LINEMAN, WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
Allegretti signed a three‑year, $16 million deal (9 million guaranteed) with Washington in 2024 after six seasons in Kansas City. He signed with the expectation to upgrade from playing a rotational role, and in 2024 he started all 20 of Washington’s games at left guard. Going into the 2025 season, Allegretti remains penciled in as the primary starting left guard, giving Washington veteran stability to protect Jayden Daniels. The two-time super champion, and Lincoln Way East alum, has the opportunity to solidify his long-term status as a starter with another productive season this year.
NATE HOBBS, DEFENSIVE BACK, GREEN BAY PACKERS
Hobbs signed a $48 million deal with Green Bay in March. Prior to that he delivered consistent nickel in Las Vegas. In 2025, he’s expected to be either a starter in Green Bay’s secondary or the top nickel is their rotation. With key departures including CB Jaire Alexander in their secondary this offseason, Hobbs has the opportunity to establish himself at both outside CB and nickel for the Packers. The positional versatility he offers is especially desirable for a secondary that has been the weak point of an otherwise solid franchise in recent years. Regardless of where Hobbs plays in this defense, he is a no-doubt starter for the foreseeable future.
ISAIAH ADAMS, OFFENSIVE GUARD, ARIZONA CARDINALS
After going No. 71 overall in the third round of the 2024 Draft, Adams went on to play 15 games and start five in his rookie season. Despite primarily playing tackle at Illinois out of team necessity, Adams plays guard, mostly on the right side, in Arizona. He helped anchor a strong run-blocking unit that produced 2,451 rushing yards (5.3 avg.), while the line allowed just 30 sacks (fifth‑fewest in 2024). Heading into 2025, Adams projects as an every-down starter at guard.
PAT BRYANT, WIDE RECEIVER, DENVER BRONCOS
Bryant went a bit earlier than expected, going in the third round (No. 74 overall) of this year’s draft. Standing at 6 ‘2″, 204 lbs, with high points including man-blocking, technical route running, and being a consistent possession target, Bryant is the exact WR archetype that fits Broncos Coach Sean Payton’s style. Early buzz from Broncos team camp has included Bryant taking reps in the two deep, and in some WR heavy personnel packages, he is repping with the ones. What this suggests is that Bryant will likely be competing for a spot as the third to fifth receiver in the rotation. Buzz from camp suggests this hype is legitimate, and it could be solidified during the preseason. Of the projections on this list, this is the one based on the least amount of evidence, given he’s played no professional snaps yet, but if I had to pick one to bet on, I’d feel best betting on Pat Bryant to play meaningful reps year one in Denver.
QUAN MARTIN, SAFETY, WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
Quan Martin has already developed into a reliable, multi‑year starting free safety for Washington. Going in the second‑round in 2023 (No. 47 overall), he moved from rotational snaps as a rookie to a full-time starter in 2024, logging 87 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles. In 2025, the expectation is he keeps that role, covering deep zones and benefitting from a secondary that causes a lot of chaos in the NFC East. Martin is currently 25, and in two years he’s eligible for an extension. Based on current production, if he takes any additional steps forward in the coming years, he will be a safe bet for a sizable extension, and a long-term starting spot. Health will be a limitation, as Martin struggled with shoulder injuries last season, though he was able to play through them in most games.
TONY ADAMS, SAFETY / SPECIAL TEAMS, NEW YORK JETS
Without confirmed roster status, he’s not a locked starter yet, but the former UDFA started in 11 of his 15 games played for the Jets in 2024, posting career highs with 84 total tackles, 1 sack, and six PBUs. With the Jets adding Brandon Stephens and Andre Cisco in free agency, Adams remains likely to return as the starting free safety or nickel.
JER’ZHAN NEWTON, DEFNEISVE LINEMAN, WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
After going in the second round in 2024 (#36 overall), Newton managed 44 tackles (6 for loss), 7 QB hits, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble over 16 games during his rookie year. Newton either started or played starter level reps in 11 games in 2024. He also dealt with injuries prior to the season, which held him back early in his tenure. This season, he is expected to emerge as a clear starter for the Commanders. The former BIG Ten Defensive Player of the Year is expected to make a big jump in year two, especially with less competition for reps than in 2024.
BACKUPS / ROTATIONAL PLAYERS
SIDNEY BROWN, SAFETY, PHILADELPHA EAGLES
Sydney Brown’s greatest limitation currently is that he plays for the Eagles. The now 1x Super Bowl champion played spot minutes throughout the year, and was a key player on special teams. However, there is limited room for growth. With 2022 first rounder Lewis Cine starting at strong safety, and recent NFL Top 100 honoree Cooper DeJean holding down the nickel spot, Brown’s pathway to a starting role is bleak. He would likely compete for, or win the starting role on many teams, but the Eagles simply aren’t one of them. His outlook for this season is to repeat playing spot reps, and if injuries do pop up, he’ll get the opportunity to prove himself as a starter.
TOMMY DEVITO, QUARTERBACK, NEW YORK GIANTS
As a backup on a Giants roster rebuilding their QB depth, DeVito’s most likely role remains as a depth-option. With Jaxson Dart, Jameis Winston, and Russell Wilson likely all ahead on the depth chart, it is unlikely that DeVito sees any meaningful playing time in 2025, though with both Winston and Wilson’s struggles in recent years, it’s not impossible. Regardless, New York is set to have one of the most entertaining QB rooms of all time (off-the-field). On the bright side, DeVito will remain an active fan favorite for the franchise he helped lead on a string of unexpected wins two seasons ago.
VEDERIAN LOWE, OFFENSIVE LINEMAN, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Lowe has been on and off practice squads and has yet to secure a starting spot in prior seasons. Similar to other former Illini, Lowe played a lot of reps at tackle at Illinois, but has primarily repped at guard in the league. The ability to play across the line makes him a desirable, and cost-effective, backup for a New England OL unit that is undergoing a full rebuild. Of the offensive line rooms in the NFL, this is one of the spots Lowe has the best chance at sticking as a backup with.
KENDRICK GREEN, OFFENSIVE LINEMAN, BUFFALO BILLS
Green played both center and guard in Pittsburgh and Houston. Now with Buffalo, he likely serves as interior line depth. Currently, it is unlikely he wins a starting guard spot. With no large current contract, he’s cost‑effective backup with a good track record in run support. As a multi-positional backup along the line, he should see a healthy amount of rotational reps this season.
CASEY WASHINGTON, WIDE RECEIVER, ATLANTA FALCONS
Selected in the 6th round of the 2024 Draft (#187 overall), Washington played eight games in his rookie season and recorded one catch for 14 yards, primarily seeing activity on special teams. While technically serving a starting role on special teams, Washington’s primary position is at WR. It is unlikely that he breaks into the core rotation, especially now that TE Kyle Pitts is splitting reps between WR and TE. Atlanta has employed a run-heavy offense in recent years, and one of Washington’s positional strengths is blocking. That plus his contested catch abilities make him a valuable asset in case of injury.
JIHAD WARD, DEFENSIVE LINEMAN, TENNESSEE TITANS
Ward is a veteran defensive lineman with experience on multiple rosters. With Tennessee revamping their defensive front, he projects as a rotational piece off the edge or interior. Expect rotational snaps for Ward, but barring injuries I wouldn’t expect a starting role for any sustained period at this point in the veteran’s career.
ALEX PALCZEWSKI, OFFENSIVE LINEMAN, DENVER BRONCOS
After signing with the Broncos as a UDFA following the 2023 draft, Palczewski saw playing time in 14 games in the 2024 season, including 4 starts. Heading into 2025, Palcho is expected to retain a sixth man role on the offensive line, serving as an emergency replacement at both tackle spots if needed, and automatically filling in at either of the guard spots when needed. While the Broncos starting o-line is well-established heading into 2025, future free-agency moves or stellar play in spot minutes could present the opportunity for a more meaningful future role, similar to the part of his former teammate, Nick Allegretti.
TIP REIMAN, TIGHT END, ARIZONA CARDINALS
Going third round (No. 82 overall) in 2024, Reiman saw action in all 17 games, starting 9. Interestingly, he took both occasional reps at slot WR, and at fullback. Logging just 6 receptions across 450 offensive snaps, Reiman serves as a block-first TE, adding great value in both pass-blocking and run support. TE Trey Mcbride has the primary spot locked down in Arizona, but Reiman could fully step into the secondary role this year, seeing increased usage from last season.
DAWUANE SMOOT, EDGE / DEFENSIVE LINE, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Smoot has been a consistent pass-rush rotational DE for Jacksonville. In 2025, he’ll likely remain a rotation player off the edge, contributing situational snaps and veteran leadership. While he likely isn’t in the long-term plans for the organization, they are happy to keep him around as a valuable bridge-veteran while the rebuild in Jacksonville gets underway.
ISAIAH WILLIAMS, WIDE RECEIVER / SPECIAL TEAMS, CINCINNATI BENGLAS
Williams appears on the Bengals’ roster for camp. Likely a third‑string slot receiver, with the ability to earn special teams snaps like last year. Ahead of him on the depth chart are Jamarr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andre Iosivas, Jermaine Burton, and Charlie Jones. With a pass-heavy offense, Williams will likely receive a few more opportunities than the average WR6, but to play meaningful reps at his primary position he will need to maximize his limited opportunity share early for a chance to grow his role in the future.
DEPTH PIECE / PRACTICE SQUAD
DOUG KRAMER JR., OFFENSIVE LINEMAN, CHICAGO BEARS
Kramer re-signed with Chicago on a 1-year, 1.03 million deal back in March. He appeared in 16 games last season, taking reps at center and both guard spots, as well as a short-yardage full back and a special teams utility blocker. Moving forward, Kramer projects to be a key swing-backup across the line, and with further consistent play he may earn a larger role in the future.
DEL’SHAWN PHILLIPS, LINEBACKER, LA CHARGERS
One of the few Lovie-era players who didn’t have the opportunity to play with Coach Bielema, Phillips signed a one year, two million dollar contract with Los Angeles. He still has to make the team, but at worst, the veteran can expect to make the practice squad.
JAKE HANSEN, LINEBACKER, HOUSTON TEXANS
Hansen was an early signing of the Lovie era Texans, one that has managed to outlast his former coach. Heading into 2025, Hansen is battling to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. Due to his special teams versatility and decent play in occasional reps over the years, he has a decent chance to stick around in Houston, at minimum on their practice squad in 2025.
DENZEL DAXON, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, DALLAS COWBOYS
The 16th pick in the second round of the 2024 CFL Draft, Daxon was also a UDFA who opted to sign for the Cowboys practice squad last season, through a deal with the NFL’s International Player Pipeline Program, which allows teams the right to carry an additional player if they originate from a qualified country. In Daxon’s case, being from the Bahamas allowed him that opportunity. This year he is on a new 2 year, 1.8 million dollar contract with Dallas that has him competing for an actual roster spot at defensive tackle. While he isn’t expected to be a starter, there is a legitimate possibility that he makes the 53-man.
KEITH RANDOLPH, DEFENSIVE LINEMAN, GREEN BAY PACKERS
A recent article from Bill Huber of Green Bay Packers on SI highlighted Randolph’s journey following his surprise cut from the Bears last season. While Randolph failed to make a roster in 2024, the Packers signed him to a futures contract shortly after their playoff run ended this year. Now, with a strong finish to camp and a good showing in the pre-season, Randolph has a second chance to do what a failed to do a year ago.
TE’RAH EDWARDS, NOSE TACKLE, LA CHARGERS
Following his late waiver denial for an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA, TeRah Edwards was fortunate to land a late opportunity with the Chargers. Teair Tart is currently the starting NT in Los Angeles, with one year left on his deal. Edwards has an opportunity to make the team as a backup, but we will need to see how the preseason goes first before knowing his chances at making the 53-man.
SETH COLEMAN, EDGE, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
The outlook here is less optimistic than others. The Seahawks already have six confirmed, veteran EDGE rushers that will be on the 53-man roster. Coleman is competing with 4 other rookies to earn potentially one spot in Seattle. The best case scenario here is to show out in the pre-season and hope another team calls later in the season. Otherwise it looks like the practice squad is going to be most likely.
JUSTIN HARDEE, SPECIAL TEAMS, FREE AGENT
Hardee, has been a special teams ace as a core player for nearly a decade. He was released in April by the Titans due to non‑football injury concerns. As of now, he is a free agent, potentially due to health red flags. The multi-time pro-bowler as a special-teamer adds a very unique skillset, and many teams would be happy to have him, he just needs to clear up the injury concerns first.
