Draft expert grades Illinois Fighting Illini's 2025 NFL class: Josh Kreutz, Xavier Scott, Seth Coleman and more

Despite mediocre results in the win-loss column the past few seasons, Illinois made its impact felt on draft day. The program placed a half-dozen players into the first and second days of the last two drafts, almost evenly distributed from both sides of the ball.

There’s a good distribution of next-level prospects moving forward, though at this point they grade as Day 3 players.

Illinois Fighting Illini 2025 NFL Draft Preview

#1 Josh Kreutz

If the last name of center Josh Kreutz sounds familiar, it’s because his father Olin spent his career with the Chicago Bears in the same position, making the Pro Bowl on six occasions.

Josh Kreutz - Source: Getty

Josh has many of his father’s traits on the field, as he’s fundamentally sound, smart, and tough as nails. To this point, he’s not as strong as his dad, but that should come as the junior physically matures with age.

#2 Xavier Scott

Recent history has the Fighting Illini putting a lot of quality defensive backs into the draft, and Xavier Scott, another junior, is next. He’s a well-built cornerback who primarily lines up at nickel and has shown an ever-improving game with next-level ball skills.

Xavier Scott - Source: Imagn

#3 Seth Coleman

Keep an eye on linebacker Seth Coleman, who I feel is underrated. Coleman comes with excellent size (6-foot-3.5, 245 pounds) and athleticism.

Seth Coleman - Source: Imagn

He’s a three-down defender primarily used up at the line of scrimmage who also displays ability in pursuit as well as in coverage. Most scouts have a late-round/PFA grade on Coleman, yet I feel he’s more of a mid-Day 3 prospect.

Illinois' 2025 NFL Draft projections by Tony Pauline

Illinois Next-level Prospects
Grade	Rnd	Pos	Full Name	Year	#
3.48	5th	C	Josh Kreutz	4Jr	64
3.46	5th	CB	Xavier Scott	3Jr	14
3.42	5th	OLB	Seth Coleman	5Sr	49
3.38	6th	S	Miles Scott	4Jr	10
3.34	6th	CB	Tyler Strain	4Jr	20
3.31	6th	G	J.C. Davis	4Sr	74
3.02	FA	WR	Pat Bryant	4Sr	13
2.80	FA	DT	Dennis Briggs Jr.	5Sr	6
2.78	FA	T	Zy Crisler	4Sr	72