April 23, 2001

Following Sunday's draft, six Illinois football players signed free agent contracts with NFL teams.

Defensive end Fred Wakefield and Michael Young signed on with the Arizona Cardinals. Tight end Josh Whitman will head to the Buffalo Bills, while cornerback Trayvon Waller inked with the New Orleans Saints. Offensive guard Ray Redziniak will play for the New York Giants and long snapper Nathan Hodel signed on with the Carolina Panthers.