Six Illini Headed to the NFL
April 28, 2025 | Football
News
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Following WR Pat Bryant's selection by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, five more former Illini have been given opportunities by NFL teams. Seth Coleman, TeRah Edwards, and Zakhari Franklin all signed free agent contracts, while Dennis Briggs Jr. and Ryan Meed secured invitations to minicamps.
Illinois now has 32 players in the NFL.
Illini Headed to the NFL
| Player | Team | Status |
|---|---|---|
| WR Pat Bryant | Denver Broncos | NFL Draft Pick (3rd Round) |
| OLB Seth Coleman | Seattle Seahawks | Free Agent Signing |
| DT TeRah Edwards | Los Angeles Chargers | Free Agent Signing |
| WR Zakhari Franklin | Las Vegas Raiders | Free Agent Signing |
| DT Dennis Briggs Jr. | Tennessee Titans | Minicamp Invite |
| LB Ryan Meed | Philadelphia Eagles | Minicamp Invite |
Bryant was the 258th NFL Draft pick in Illinois history and the 56th NFL Draft pick of Bret Bielema's 16-year head coaching career. He was the Illini's eighth top-100 pick among the 12 NFL Draft selections during Bielema's four years at Illinois. Bielema has the most top-100 picks of any coach in Illini history during their first four seasons as head coach.
