NFL Scouting Combine 2024: Which Illinois players are invited? Here's the list

The NFL earlier this month released the complete list of 321 players invited to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, scheduled for Feb. 26-March 4 in Indianapolis. The players will interview with teams, have medical exams, meet with members of the NFL Players Association and take part in on-field drills.

Six players from the University of Illinois received invitations. Here is a look at each Illini, plus their statistics, what to know and their draft prospectus:

Jer'Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois

• The numbers: 6-foot-2, 295 pounds. In 2023, he had 52 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, nine quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery — and led the nation with four blocked kicks.
• What to know: The Florida native was the first Illini in 29 years to win Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. He also is a two-time all-American and three-time all-Big Ten pick.
• Draft stock: A projected first-round pick, he is the 12th-ranked prospect overall and second-ranked defensive lineman according to NFLdraftbuzz.com. The site says Newton's "alignment versatility is a key strength, effectively shifting across multiple spots on the defensive line with tactical precision. His explosive get-off is a major disruptor; Newton consistently beats linemen off the snap with his quick burst."

Isaiah Adams, OL, Illinois

• The numbers: 6-foot-5, 320 pounds.
• What to know: The Ajax, Ontario, native is a team captain and full-time starter on the offensive line. He earned honorable mention all-Big Ten.
• Draft stock: Projected as a fourth-round pick, ranked 124th overall and 24th among offensive linemen, according to nfldraftbuzz.com. Th site says Adams is "effective grappling in the phone booth, with the upper-body strength and strong hands to outbattle defenders. Adams also shows a good understanding of angles when moving out to the second level."

Keith Randolph Jr., DL, Illinois

• The numbers: 6-foot-5, 300 pounds.
• What to know: The Belleville, Illinois, native started 10 games at defensive tackle, finishing top five in the nation with 4.9 tackles per game. Third-team all-Big Ten pick from the media and honorable mention from the coaches. In high school, he was part of Belleville West's state championship basketball team.
• Draft stock: Projected fifth-round pick, ranked 154th overall and 27th at his position by nfldraftbuzz.com. The site says Randolph "has an impressive blend of length and movement skills, capable of dominating shorter interior blockers as a penetrator and showing lateral agility in addition to speed in pursuit."

Julian Pearl, OL, Illinois

• The numbers: 6-foot-6, 315 pounds.
• What to know: The Danville, Illinois, native started 12 games at left tackle. He was named honorable mention all-Big Ten.
• Draft stock: Projected sixth-round pick, ranked 185th overall and 37th among offensive linemen by nfldraftbuzz.com. The site called him a well-rounded prospect, who is "fundamentally sound and understands blocking angles, using body positioning to his advantage. Disciplined awareness and good intelligence."

Isaiah Williams, WR, Illinois

• The numbers: 5-foot-10, 185 pounds. 82 catches, 1,055 yards, 5 TDs in 2023.
• What to know: The St. Louis native and slot receiver led the Big Ten in catches on the way to first-team all-conference. He earned an honorable mention as an all-Big Ten return specialist.
• Draft stock: Projected sixth-round pick, ranked 198th overall and 27th as a receiver, according to NFLdraftbuzz.com. The site calls him "a fluid athlete with excellent short-area quickness. ... (He) should be able to create separation, and he has the straight-line speed to threaten down the seam."

Tip Reiman, TE, Illinois

• The numbers: 6-foot-5, 270 pounds. 19 catches, 203 yards, 3 TDs in 2023.
• What to know: The South Dakota native is a former walk-on who worked himself up to Illini starter and team captain.
• Draft stock: Reiman is not listed among most online tight end draft prospects lists, including ones from NFLdraftbuzz.com, Pro Football Focus, ESPN's Mel Kiper or CBS Sports. In December, he told Jeremy Werner of Illini Insider that he is betting on himself: “I’m a sticky guy. It’s hard to get rid of me. I feel like I’m just going to show up and work and do everything absolutely in my power to make it impossible for someone to get rid of me.”