“You don’t really care what team drafts you or what position they want you to play. You’re just looking for an opportunity.”
A glance at five Illini who could hear their name called by an NFL team before the weekend ends. Next up ...
Graham Pocic
offensive lineman
Pocic’s career at Illinois: Former first-team all-state selection by The News-Gazette started 36 games in his final three seasons, with 34 of those coming at center and two at right tackle. Has blocked for running backs like Mikel Leshoure and Jason Ford along with mobile quarterbacks in Nathan Scheelhaase and Juice Williams. Injuries sidelined him for two games last fall. In his three seasons as a starter, Illinois ranked first in the Big Ten in rushing (2010), sixth (2011) and 11th (2012).
In his own words: “You don’t really care what team drafts you or what position they want you to play. You’re just looking for an opportunity.”
Our projection: Free agent signee
Reasoning: Offseason shoulder surgery limited what the Lemont native could do in any workouts, but he is cleared to take part in May minicamps. He has heard from 10 teams, and has had workouts with several. Should land with a team even if he’s not one of 254 players drafted this weekend.
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