Illini in the NFL Website

See how all 21 former Fighting Illini performed in the NFL in 2017. 

» Jeff Allen, OL, Houston Texans – Played an started in 12 games for the Texans at both guard and tackle. Missed four games due to injury. 

» Geronimo Allison, WR, Green Bay Packers – Played in 15 games, including two starts, hauling in 23 receptions for 253 yards. His season-long 72 yard reception in overtime set up the Packers' Week 3 win over the Bengals. 

» Arrelious Benn, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars – A special teams captain for the Jaguars, Benn played in the first nine games of the season mostly on special teams, but did haul in one catch for 12 yards. He missed the final seven games due to injury and was placed on Injured Reserve prior to Week 11.

» Chunky Clements, DT, Houston Texans – Saw his first career NFL action in Week 16 and played in the final two games of the season for the Texans, making two tackles and recording a half-sack.  

» Jeff Cumberland, TE, Los Angeles Chargers – A mid-season addition for the Chargers, Cumberland played in seven games, including three starts, and made two catches for two yards. He saw most of his action on special teams and as a blocking tight end. 

» Vontae Davis, CB, Indianapolis Colts – Veteran cornerback missed several games due to injury before returning to make five starts, 21 tackles and two passed defended. He had his season cut short by injury and was released by the Colts after Week 10. 

» Clayton Fejedelem, FS, Cincinnati Bengals – Played in all 16 games, making 5 starts at safety, while racking up 57 tackles, 2 passes defended and 1 interception. 

» Josh Ferguson, RB, Indianapolis Colts – A mid-season addition for the Colts, Ferguson played in 10 games, mostly on special teams. Finished with 1 carry for 5 yards, 3 receptions for 16 yards and 5 kick returns for 86 yards. 

» Justin Hardee, CB, New Orleans Saints – The rookie special teams coverage guru played in the final 14 games and made nine tackles on the season. His biggest highlight, however, was a blocked punt and return for touchdown in Week 9 against Tampa Bay. WATCH

» Michael Hoomanawanui, TE, New Orleans Saints – Played in the first 14 games, making 10 starts at tight end, before missing the final 2 games due to injury. Spent most of his time as a blocking tight end, but still made 6 receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown. The TD came in Week 6 against against the Jaguars. WATCH

» Ted Karras, OG/C, New England Patriots – Played in all 16 games for the Patriots, mostly blocking on field goals and PATs, but did make two starts at center during New England's run to the No. 1 seed in the AFC. 

» Matt LaCosse, TE, Denver Broncos – Spent time with both the Giants (3 games, 1 start) and Broncos (2 games) during the season, but did not record any stats. 

» Corey Liuget, DL, San Diego Chargers – Played and started in 12 games on the defensive line, making 21 tackles and 1.5 sacks while also adding 2 passes defended and one forced fumble. 

» Whitney Mercilus, LB, Houston Texans – Started a SAM linebacker the first five games, making 10 tackles, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble, but suffered a torn pectoral in game five. The sixth-year pro was placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the 2017 season.

» Hardy Nickerson, LB, Cincinnati Bengals – Saw action in 14 games and made two starts at LB, making 18 tackles and defending one pass on the season.

» Carroll Phillips, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars – Spent most of the season on Jacksonville's practice squad before getting signed to the active roster for the final four games. He did not record any stats. 

» Gimel President, OLB, Houston Texans – Spent most of the season on Houston's practice squad before getting signed to the active roster for the final four games, making three tackles on the season. 

» Dawuane Smoot, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars – Played in all 16 games on the defensive line and on special teams, making 20 tackles on the season to help the Jaguars make the playoffs. 

» Akeem Spence, DT, Detroit Lions – Played in all 16 games, including 11 starts for the Lions. Made 39 tackles and 3 sacks while forcing one fumble on the season. 

» Jihad Ward, DE, Oakland Raiders – Played in five games on the season and made one start, making two tackles and one sack. 

» Tavon Wilson, SS, Detroit Lions – Played in 10 games, starting 9 at safety, making 55 tackles, 2 sacks, one interception and one forced fumble before suffering a shoulder injury and going on injured reserved prior to Week 13.