Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means the NFL is approaching the final stretch. Illinois has been represented well in the NFL this season. Six guys have stood out through 11 weeks and are showing the development of the new era of Illini football.
No. 1: Kerby Joseph
When making this list, there was no debate about who the No. 1 Illini was. Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph is on a special run this season. One notable stat that puts Joseph at the top of the list is that he leads the entire league in interceptions (7). In just his third season, Joseph is one of the main reasons the Lions are No. 1 in the NFC and tied for the best record in the NFL.
Joseph’s improvement in his lateral movements on the field is what pops out on film. He has improved physically and mentally each year. The former Illini recognizes teams’ routes faster and takes them away immediately.
This is most definitely a Pro Bowl year for Joseph. If he continues this, the safety could garner some eyes for NFC Defensive Player of the Year.
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
No. 2: Chase Brown
The Cincinnati Bengals have a new face starting in the backfield after trading running back Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans. The Bengals’ second-year running back Chase Brown is taking advantage of the new starting role this season.
This was an unexpected jump for Brown. His performance in the run and passing game has greatly improved compared to the small sample size we got last year. Brown sits in the top 20 in rushing yards, ahead of some notable names like Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III and Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr.
His versatility and ability to aid in the passing game have been helpful to the team as well. The Bengals have one of the best passing attacks in the league. Brown has helped by diversifying the deep ball with some short-gain dump-offs. He is even ahead of the former Bengals running back in receiving yards.
Cincinnati found its new backfield leader in Brown, and this big jump makes him ranked No. 2 on this list.
No. 3: Chase McLaughlin
It is impossible not to mention Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin when thinking of consistent Illini. McLaughlin is No. 5 in most PAT kicks made and attempted so far this season.
At 94%, he is among the top 10 most efficient field goal kickers this season, leading to him becoming a more well-known player in the league. McLaughlin is now on track to break the franchise’s highest field goal percentage in a season again, showing his dominance at the professional level.
No. 4: Devon Witherspoon
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon made history by becoming the first rookie from Illinois to be named to the Pro Bowl since linebacker Dick Butkus in 1965. He had a terrific debut season and is building off that in year two.
The Pro Bowler solidified himself as a starter for Seattle but has struggled slightly with a new coach. While his dominance has regressed a little, he is still impacting the Seahawks’ defense.
Through 12 weeks, he has 47 solo tackles, which puts him in the top 10 among cornerbacks.
Witherspoon’s biggest struggle has been allowing receptions in the middle of the field. This raised some eyebrows early because he was one of the better man-to-man corners heading into the season. But, when the clock gets late, he has still been solid, and the Seahawks are still in the playoff picture as a result.
No. 5: Ted Karras
Cincinnati Bengals center Ted Karras is in his ninth season in the NFL and third season with the Bengals. Karras continues to be one of the more consistent centers in the league. Heading into Week 12, Karras is No. 1 in snaps played and has only allowed two sacks this season.
Even though the Bengals haven’t won as many games this season, quarterback Joe Burrow leads the league in passing yards and touchdowns. One of the big reasons for his success is his offensive line. Karras is the commander of the line, and his success allows Burrow to be great.
He has a special relationship with Burrow, and that performance is visible on the field to anchor an elite offense. While Karras has struggled at times to pick up the blitz, he’s been fantastic in all other areas.
Honorable Mention: Nick Allegretti
The three-time Super Bowl champion decided to change scenery and play in Washington. Washington Commanders guard Nick Allegretti is experiencing what it means to be a consistent starting lineman for the first time since his second year with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Allegretti signed a three-year $16 million deal with the Commanders this past off-season and has played a career-high in snaps (708) through Week 11.
The veteran is tasked with protecting rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Allegretti learned from protecting Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and that experience has helped to keep Washington’s future unharmed.
The question of concern is Allegretti’s health. If he stays healthy and embraces his veteran role, the Commanders could make the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
@Jon_Mathew23
