Illini in the draft, Vontae goes in the first round.

Three Illini were drafted is this weekends nerdiest of all football extravaganzas, the NFL draft. For the second year in a row, the Illini had a player selected in the first round, when Vontae was taken as the 25th pick by the Miami Dolphins. Vontae has had a bumpy ride this off season, where there were media reports of testing positive for weed, something that has been since contested, and disputed.

Regardless, I like the situation that Vontae is in, he has the pure speed to play in the league, and I think he will have success. Along with Rashard, this makes two first round picks in a row for the Illini, a  trend that will most likely continue next year when Benn makes the jump (or Tez?) At the very least, Zook's exellent recruiting is sending players to the league, which I imcagine is something Zook can and will use in future recruiting pitches.

X Fultun and Will Davis were also drafted on day 2. Fulton by Tampa Bay at 155, and Davis at 204 by Arizona. Xavier Fulton absolutely has the size for a professional O-lineman, and if he doesn't  make the cut in Tampa will no doubt play somewhere for the next couple years. Will Davis probably had his draft status reduced by the fact that he was moved into the  middle last year, where he was far less effective. Put Will in a position where he can use his speed to get to a QB rather than being run up the gut every play, and he will be a starter in the league.

Several Illini were also picked up as free agents after the draft, ala J Leman from last year. Britt Miller (Carolina), Derek Walker (Washington), Ryan McDonald (San Diego), and David Lindquist (Buffalo). All of these guys will have to fight for roster spots, and have varying chances at making a final roster. Britt, in going to Carolina will have the challenge of competing with J Leman for more than likely the same roster spot. Regardless the non linemen of this bunch will have to compete on special teams for their best chances of sticking around past this summer.