It’s nearly that time of the year when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell takes the stage to a chorus of boos; 257 college football players will see their dreams come true. Dozens more will try to prove their skill as undrafted free agents.
The 2025 NFL Draft is set to commence Thursday at 7 p.m. Among the potential pros are a few familiar faces. Several Illini have declared for the draft. Here is a preview of those most likely to land with an NFL franchise.
Pat Bryant, WR – day two/three
Former Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant is all but guaranteed to hear his name called in Green Bay. According to most draft experts, Bryant is likely to be picked on day three, between rounds four and seven. He could even sneak into the third round to a receiver-needy team.
During the 2024 season, the wide receiver racked up 984 yards and found the end zone ten times. He ranked top five in both statistics in the Big Ten.
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Bryant was one of the most reliable receivers in the conference. He consistently made contested catches and showed up in the clutch, including three game-winning touchdowns. Perhaps the most memorable was against Rutgers, when Bryant went 40 yards for the game-winning score.
Zakhari Franklin, WR – day three/UDFA
Despite being with Illinois for only one season, wide receiver Zakhari Franklin made his mark. He racked up 652 yards and four touchdowns. He also led all active NCAA players in career receiving yards with 4,038.
While Franklin had an impressive career, he seemingly didn’t do enough to lock up a spot in the draft. Many draft experts have Franklin as a late-day-three pick, somewhere in rounds six or seven. He may even fall out of the draft completely. In that case, he would have to find a team willing to sign him as an undrafted free agent.
Seth Coleman, Edge – UDFA
Senior edge rusher Seth Coleman didn’t fill up the stat sheet. He had just three sacks this past season and 15.5 in his five seasons with Illinois. He was solid for the Illini on defense. However, he didn’t do much to warrant a lot of NFL attention.
His athletic frame is what might draw teams in. Coleman stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 250 pounds. He had an impressive 36.5-inch vertical jump at the Illinois Pro Day in March. While he likely won’t be drafted, his frame and athleticism may help him land with a team as a UDFA.
Dennis Briggs Jr., DL – UDFA
Another player with a fairly quiet senior season, defensive tackle Dennis Briggs Jr. had 3.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss this season. He started every game and brings a lot of experience. Briggs Jr. played at Florida State from 2018 to 2023. He then transferred to Illinois for the 2024 season.
Like Coleman, his size may help his draft stock. Briggs Jr. is a big, strong defensive lineman, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 275 pounds. However, his age could scare teams away. Already 24, he’s older than most prospects. His best chance is likely signing with a team as an undrafted free agent.
Ryan Meed, LB – UDFA
Senior linebacker Ryan Meed had a productive year. He played in all 13 games and saw an increased role after an injury to fellow linebacker, senior Dylan Rosiek. In his time on the field, Meed had 50 tackles and one tackle for loss.
He had an impressive outing at the Illinois Pro Day. Meed ran in the mid-4.5s in the 40-yard dash and had a 37.5-inch vertical jump. Both would rank among the top linebackers at the NFL Combine. Meed will likely be signed as a UDFA after the draft.
TeRah Edwards, DL – UDFA
At Pro Day, senior defensive lineman TeRah Edwards said he was fighting for another year of eligibility. However, it was recently announced that he did not receive it. That means he is setting his sights on the NFL Draft.
Edwards was quiet most of the year but had a monster game against Michigan. He recorded two tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. He has potential as a defensive tackle, and another year in college would have been beneficial for him.
His best hope is to sign a contract as an undrafted free agent after the draft. Like Meed, Edwards had a good showing at the Illinois Pro Day. With 30 NFL teams watching, he may have caught the attention of a team or two.
@ben_some16
