I'm as big of a fan of Ryan Walters as anyone, but I think some might be sleeping on how good these 2 players are. They are both game wreckers, and I think there is a good chance both end up in the 2023 draft.
Keith Randolph should be in the league for a long time. He reminds me of a guy that was a favorite of mine on the Bears the last few years, Akiem Hicks. Randolph is listed at 6'5", 305. Hicks is listed at 6'5", 324. I don't know if Randolph will ever get that big, but they have a similar impact on the game. Randolph routinely blows up running plays, and puts pressure on the QB on a regular basis. He's a prototype 3-4 DE, but could also play strong-side DE in a 4-3.
Newton is playing dominant football in a scheme that probably isn't ideal for his frame. I think he ends up being an under tackle in a 4-3 in the pros, and a good one. He's playing end in a 3-4, and looks great doing it, but I don't see him playing that position in the NFL.
Fun seeing these guys get the attention they deserve locally, but I'm not sure people know how good both of them are. With Avery playing well in the middle, the Illini have arguably the best DL in the B1G. That's kind of crazy when you consider the type of talent that some of the other programs bring in on a regular basis.
Keith Randolph should be in the league for a long time. He reminds me of a guy that was a favorite of mine on the Bears the last few years, Akiem Hicks. Randolph is listed at 6'5", 305. Hicks is listed at 6'5", 324. I don't know if Randolph will ever get that big, but they have a similar impact on the game. Randolph routinely blows up running plays, and puts pressure on the QB on a regular basis. He's a prototype 3-4 DE, but could also play strong-side DE in a 4-3.
Newton is playing dominant football in a scheme that probably isn't ideal for his frame. I think he ends up being an under tackle in a 4-3 in the pros, and a good one. He's playing end in a 3-4, and looks great doing it, but I don't see him playing that position in the NFL.
Fun seeing these guys get the attention they deserve locally, but I'm not sure people know how good both of them are. With Avery playing well in the middle, the Illini have arguably the best DL in the B1G. That's kind of crazy when you consider the type of talent that some of the other programs bring in on a regular basis.
