Four Illini Picked in 2024 NFL Draft, More Sign Free Agent Deals

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Four Fighting Illini were selected in the 2024 NFL Draft and five more signed contracts with NFL teams as of Monday morning.

DT Jer'Zhan Newton (2nd round, Washington), OL Isaiah Adams (3rd round, Arizona), TE Tip Reiman (3rd round, Arizona), and WR Casey Washington (6th round, Atlanta) became the latest Illini to hear their names called at the NFL Draft. Illinois now has 257 all-time NFL Draft picks dating back to 1937, while head coach Bret Bielema has had 55 NFL Draft picks during his 15 seasons as a head coach. 

Illinois has back-to-back years with four draft picks for the first time in over a decade. The four picks tied the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2023 Drafts for the most Illini selected since five were picked in 2003. 

Illinois is one of five schools with three or more players drafted in the first three rounds in each of the last two NFL Drafts. The Illini are joined on the list by Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and Penn State. 

NFL Draft Notes

DT Jer'Zhan Newton, 2nd round (No. 36 overall), Washington
Newton was the third-highest drafted defensive tackle in Illinois history, behind only No. 18 overall pick Corey Liuget (2011, San Diego) and No. 3 overall pick Joe Rutgens (1961, Washington). 
Read More: Jer'Zhan Newton Drafted No. 36 Overall by Washington

OL Isaiah Adams, 3rd round (No. 71 overall), Arizona
Adams was the highest-drafted Illini offensive lineman since Jeff Allen went No. 44 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012.
Read More: Isaiah Adams Drafted No. 71 Overall by Arizona

TE Tip Reiman, 3rd round (No. 82 overall), Arizona
Reiman was the second-highest drafted tight end in Illinois history, behind only Ken Dilger, who was the No. 48 overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 1995.
Read More: Tip Reiman Drafted No. 82 Overall by Arizona

WR Casey Washington, 6th round (No. 187 overall), Atlanta
Washington was the first Fighting Illini wide receiver drafted since A.J. Jenkins was a first-round pick in 2012.
Read More: Casey Washington Drafted in the Sixth Round by Atlanta

NFL Draft Results and Free Agent Signings