Illinois had a busy draft weekend, with four players selected by NFL teams. That was tied for 16th in the country and third-most in the Big Ten — the same number as conference power Ohio State.

Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan "Johnny" Newton rushes the quarterback earlier this season.

Johnny Newton, second round, Washington

Newton, a defensive tackle, had to wait a little longer than expected after being a projected first-round pick leading up to the draft, but he was one of the first names off the board on the draft’s second day.

Washington selected him in part because they had a first-round grade on him, according to Commanders general manager Adam Peters. But Newton might have to wait his turn in a competitive defensive line room. Washington returns both of its defensive tackles in Darron Payne and Jonathan Allen, who had productive seasons last year. Newton could start his career getting some snaps as a backup before eventually blossoming into a starter while he is reunited with former college teammate Quan Martin.

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How Illinois replaces him: Illinois went to the transfer portal to try and replace its mass exodus from the defensive line and added Florida State transfer Dennis Briggs Jr. and Auburn transfer Enyce Sledge. Sophomore Alex Bray has also stood out in spring practice with Jeremiah Warren.

Isaiah Adams, third round, Arizona

Adams, an offensive lineman, became the first Bret Bielema recruit at Illinois to hear his name called after the Illini staff plucked him from junior college two seasons ago. He was selected 71st overall, and with the Cardinals having an opening at left guard next season, he has the chance to earn a starting role early. Adams played some tackle last season, but played his best football for the Illini at guard and during the 2022 season formed an impressive pairing at left guard next to left tackle Julian Pearl.

How Illinois replaces him: Zy Crisler is fully healthy and could take a step forward at one of the guard spots while Josh Gesky also returns after getting his first taste of starting experience last season while Dezmond Schuester is fully healthy and cleared. Illinois added Michigan State transfer Kevin Wigenton II as well.

Illinois tight end Tip Reiman catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Tommy DeVito during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Virginia on Sept. 10 in Champaign, Ill.

Tip Reiman, third round, Arizona

Reiman, a tight end, heard his name called shortly after Adams in the back half of the third round. He’ll join his former college teammate in Arizona. Cardinals tight end Trey McBride had 825 yards and three touchdowns last season and returns while Reiman likely slots in as his understudy.

How Illinois replaces him: Illinois got Murray State's Cole Rusk in the transfer portal and returns Tanner Arkin. Those two will get a bulk of the snaps with each having Division I experience over the past couple of seasons.

Illinois wide receiver Casey Washington (14) catches a pass ahead of Iowa defensive back Jermari Harris, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Nov. 20, 2021, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Casey Washington, sixth round, Atlanta

Washington, a receiver, was the final Illini off the board on the final day of the draft after going on a tear at the end of his college career with 375 yards and four touchdowns in his final three games. That, and a good performance in pre-draft testing, got him a spot as a late-round selection. He’ll join a Falcons receiving room that has a lot of turnover.

How Illinois will replace him: Pat Bryant is the favorite to be the top outside receiver for the Illini while Malik Elzy shined in the spring game in his first taste of a bigger role. Those two will be asked to pick up most of the slack left behind by the Illini’s two top receivers.

Illinois wide receiver Isaiah Williams (1) scores a touchdown against Maryland defensive back Beau Brade (2). Williams could leave the team for the NFL Draft.

Undrafted free agents

Isaiah Williams was the Illini’s top receiver and an All-Big Ten pick — he turned that into a chance at making the Detroit Lions' roster as an undrafted free agent.

John Paddock , a quarterback who developed a rapport with Williams late in the season as a starter, also got signed by the Atlanta Falcons.

Denzel Daxon , a defensive lineman, signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys after one season in Champaign as a transfer.

Keith Randolph , a defensive lineman, signed a UDFA deal with the Chicago Bears after three seasons as a starter with the Illini.

Linebacker Tarique Barnes was signed by the Houston Texans after being a captain for Illinois.

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