CHAMPAIGN, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY) — Illinois offensive lineman Isaiah Adams was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round (No. 71 overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. Adams was the second Fighting Illini picked in the 2024 NFL Draft, following DT Jer’Zhan Newton (No. 36 overall, Washington).
Adams was a two-time All-Big Ten honoree, earning honorable mention selection in each of his two seasons in Champaign. He was one of the most dependable and versatile linemen in the Big Ten since his arrival at Illinois in 2022, including starting all 25 games during his two seasons after transferring from Garden City Community College.
Adams was part of Illinois’ dominant 2022 offensive line that was the first in Illinois history to be named a Joe Moore Award semifinalist. He helped the Illini to the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl, while being the No. 29 graded guard in the nation and No. 5 in the Big Ten (75.2), according to PFF, in 2022.
Adams started games at three positions on the offensive line. He had 12 starts at left guard and one at left tackle in 2022, then made 10 starts at right tackle and two at left guard in 2023.
Adams is the third Illini in history to be drafted by Arizona, joining Simeon Rice (1996, No. 3 overall) and Will Davis (2009, 6th round). Adams is the highest drafted Illini offensive lineman since Jeff Allen went No. 44 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012.
Adams is the 255th NFL Draft pick in Illinois history, dating back to 1937. He is the 53rd NFL Draft pick in Bret Bielema‘s 15 seasons as a head coach and his 10th top-100 offensive lineman, joining Frank Ragnow (20), Travis Swanson (76), Travis Frederick (31), Kevin Zeitler (27), Peter Konz (55), Gabe Carimi (29), John Moffitt (75), Kraig Urbik (79), and Joe Thomas (3).