Gridiron Heroics partners with Draft Scout to give each school’s Top 5 NFL Draft prospects in the Big Ten. Welcome to a list of the Illinois Top 5 NFL Draft prospects for 2023, as seen by Draft Scout.
Each week brings us closer and closer to one of the most anticipated days on the sports calendar — the NFL Draft. This year’s draft will be held in Kansas City, Mo. from April 27-29. Starting today? We take a look at the Big Ten seniors, the class of 2023. Since we don’t know yet which underclassmen will declare? We’ll reconfigure the rankings when that happens, so be sure to revisit us.
Our Big Ten Draft prospect series will run beginning Nov. 14 and will run for the next week, with three schools running per day in alphabetical order. A master conference list of the Big Ten’s Top 20 NFL draft prospects will wrap things up on Monday, Nov. 21. Please check the team links below frequently so you can check out the other schools’ top prospects as the week progresses.
BIG TEN TOP 20 PROSPECTS: Overall Big Ten Top Prospect List
BIG TEN EAST PROSPECTS: Indiana | Maryland | Michigan | Michigan State | Ohio State | Penn State | Rutgers
BIG TEN WEST PROSPECTS: Illinois | Iowa | Minnesota| Nebraska | Northwestern| Purdue| Wisconsin
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So, we all know that not every team in the country has five surefire draft picks on it. Some programs do, especially in some of the more elite conferences, but the vast majority don’t have that many top-flight prospects. But, we also know that the definition “top-flight” doesn’t always pan out, and at the same time that strong undrafted free agent everybody forgot? He ends up making an NFL and flourishing.
Below is a look at the Illinois Top 5 Draft Prospects, and how they project in the eyes of Draft Scout. Again, for now, we’ll go strictly with seniors (c/o 2023), as no underclassmen have been allowed to declare earlier yet, though when they do? We’ll update the lists below.
ILLINOIS TOP 5 NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS
NO. 1 PROSPECT
NAME: Devon Witherspoon (Cornerback)
DRAFTSCOUT PROJECTION: 2nd-3rd round
CAREER STATISTICS: Witherspoon has 151 total tackles, 112 of which have been solo. 3 career interceptions and 23 pass break ups, including 12 in the 2022 campaign alone which is good for T-5th in the country.
THE TRUTH: According to DraftScout, Devon Witherspoon ranks 65th in their top 350. His draft stock has steadily improved throughout the year grading out as a top-10 senior cornerback in the nation. Checking in at 6’0″, 180lbs he may be slightly undersized, but Witherspoon plays far above his weight class with his physical style and no fear attitude. That physicality shows up most in run support, and more often than not, the senior corner is the one delivering the punishment to ball carriers. Rare to find in today’s cornerbacks.
The Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist craves the challenge of playing against top competition. His 4.42 40-yard dash isn’t just straight line speed, his quick hips and quiet feet should allow him to play inside against shifty slot receivers. The interception numbers don’t pop, but he covers guys like a blanket (Top coverage grade in the nation according to PFF) and opposing quarterbacks have learned not to try their luck on “Witherspoon Island”. I suspect he will follow a career trajectory similar to that of fellow former Illini defensive backs Nate Hobbs and Kerby Joseph.
NO. 2 PROSPECT
NAME: Chase Brown (Running Back)
DRAFTSCOUT PROJECTION: 2nd-3rd round
CAREER STATISTICS: Brown has ran for 3,357 yards/15 touchdowns and caught 54 passes for 454 yards/3 touchdowns in his collegiate career. 1,442 of those rushing yards have come in his 2022 campaign, which currently leads all of FBS.
THE TRUTH: Chase Brown ranks 84 in DraftScout’s Top-350 and is projected to be 2nd day selection. The senior running back has been the workhorse for an Illinois team that has taken the country by storm. Leading the FBS in both rushing attempts and yards through 10 games this season, Brown has proven his smaller 5’10”, 205lb frame can handle the punishment of a heavy workload.
With at least three games remaining he already has 280 carries eclipsing last year’s rushing attempts (170), but has been able to maintain a consistent 5.2 yards per carry. Brown is a tenacious runner that takes multiple defenders to take him down and always falls forward. It’s not just his surprising power, it’s his explosiveness through the gap into the second level of the defense, his nation leading 41 carries of 10+ yards this season back that up.
Brown’s role in the passing game (23 receptions, 173 yards, and 3 touchdowns) this year has allowed him to showcase his 4.48 speed in the open field. His nimble feet and soft hands have added another layer to his game and figures to help solidify himself as a rotational piece in an NFL backfield.
NO. 3 PROSPECT
NAME: Sydney Brown (Strong Safety)
DRAFTSCOUT PROJECTION: 5th-6th round
CAREER STATISTICS: Sydney Brown has been a staple of the Illinois defense totaling 293 tackles, 170 solo, 16 pass break-ups, 4 forced fumbles, and 8 interceptions in his career. Four of those interceptions have come this year, good enough to tie with fellow Illini safety Kendall Smith for 10th in the nation.
THE TRUTH: DraftScout has the twin brother of running back Chase Brown projected to be a day three pick in the 2023 NFL draft. His ball-hawking instincts lead him to the right places at the right times. The way he flies around the field — whether playing in the box or patrolling centerfield reminds me of a Troy Polamalu-type player. With the Ontario native’s measurables ( 5’11”, 205lbs while running a 4.49 40-yard dash) he is built perfectly to possibly grow into a hybrid LB/S position at the next level. Sydney’s floor will be a cultural building piece and immediate impact player on special teams.
NO. 4 PROSPECT
NAME: Alex Palczewski (Offensive Tackle)
DRAFTSCOUT PROJECTION: 7th round
CAREER STATISTICS: Palczewski has made a Big Ten record 62 starts in his career at Illinois. Beginning in 2017 the tackle made 36 consecutive starts before suffering an injury in 2020.
THE TRUTH: The 6’6″ 315 pound tackle has been the anchor of a vastly improved offensive unit in 2022. Once a three star recruit, the senior lineman embodies the ironman mentality playing in 62 of 66 possible games. Entering Week 11 vs. Purdue he had gone 573 pass-blocking snaps (99% at right tackle) without allowing a sack, according to PFF. Palczewski has helped pave the way for the leading rusher in FBS. His extensive experience at both guard and tackle positions and can serve as a nice depth piece in the NFL.
NO. 5 PROSPECT
NAME: Alex Philstrom (Center)
DRAFTSCOUT PROJECTION: 7th round – High Priority Free Agent
CAREER STATISTICS: Played in 31 games in his career at several different positions.
THE TRUTH: The 6’5″ 305lb Campbell Trophy semifinalist has been a jack of all trades throughout his career: He has started all 10 games at center this year, but has made starts all over the offensive line and even made a start at tight end in 2019. The former walk-on was awarded a scholarship his Junior season. Another gritty player that has that “lunch pail” mentality. His versatility could help him stick somewhere.
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