Although some Illinois players went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, they still managed to secure opportunities with NFL teams, aiming to catch the attention of coaching staff.
John Paddock was one of the roster cuts over the weekend. He was competing for a spot on the Atlanta Falcons roster, but with a crowded quarterback room, they decided to part ways.
Unfortunately, Paddock wasn’t the only former Illini affected. Former Illinois defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. faced a similar outcome when he was waived by the Chicago Bears on Saturday.
The Bears have solid depth on the defensive line, with starters like Montez Sweat, Andrew Billings, Gervon Dexter Sr., and DeMarcus Walker. They also have an emerging talent on the defensive end Austin Booker.
While Keith Randolph Jr. is no longer with the Chicago Bears, his contributions to the Illinois football program won’t be forgotten.
It’s always tough seeing former Illini players get cut, as you want to see them succeed both for their careers and for the reputation of the program.
Despite being waived, Randolph still has a shot at joining another team. But even if his path leads elsewhere, his impact on Illinois football remains significant.
Randolph was part of a strong defensive line in Champaign, recording 10 sacks and 144 tackles over his final three seasons.
Though his time with the Bears was brief, there’s still hope for a bright future for this former Illinois defensive standout.
