Nick Allegretti selected by Kansas City Chiefs in 7th round

Nick Allegretti is officially off the board.

The former Illini offensive lineman was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft on Saturday. Allegretti marks the first Illini to be drafted since Dawuane Smoot went in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

The Frankfort, Illinois native started 36 games in his time as an Illini while racking up numerous awards and achievements for his work both on and off the field. A two-time team captain, Allegretti ranked among the top three offensive guards in the country according to Pro Football Focus and was also named an All-Big Ten selection. He allowed just one quarterback hit and zero sacks in almost 400 drop backs, according to PFF as well. He also helped pave the way for one of the most prolific running offenses, not only in the Big Ten, but in the entire country.

Allegretti possesses all the off-the-field tools necessary to make it in the league. He was named a 2019 Big Ten Medal of Honor recipient, finalist/semi-finalist for several humanitarian awards, President of the Illinois Uplifting Athletes chapter, and he also played a major role in the team’s “Lift for Life,” an event that raised almost $90,000 for charity in two years. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and will graduate with his master’s in recreation, sport, and tourism this May.

Oh, and he’s also a four-time All-Big Ten Academic selection.

Nick checks off all the boxes you’re looking for in a pro prospect and has the intangibles to back it up. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him on a roster still 10 years from now, or better yet, win a starting job and solidify a long, prosperous career in the league.

Here’s the immediate reaction from his teammates, coaches and others on Twitter.

His head coach:

His longest-tenured teammate:

HIs former teammate:

Carlos Sandy:

The tweet from the NFL:

We’re rooting for ya, Nick!

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