Grading former Illini in the NFL

Bob Assumen's review of the week that was in college football.

Now that the party has subsided in New Oreans, we asked staff writer Marcus Jackson to review how former Illini played in the 2009 NFL season.

Alan Ball, CB, Cowboys

B. Serviceable backup had a career year in 2009 with 31 tackles and three passes defended, while appearing in all 16 games for the first time in his three-year career.

Danny Clark, LB, Giants

C. His 53 tackles were down from his 2008 totals and he even spent some time outside the starting lineup, coming off the bench five times this season for the Giants, who fielded one of the more porous defenses in the league.

Carey Davis, FB, Steelers

C-. Struggled to get on the field much of the season, appearing in just six games for the underachieving Steelers.

Vontae Davis, CB, Dolphins

B+. Had some not-so-stellar moments as a rookie, but got better as the season progressed. Defended 11 passes, picked off four, including a pair from Tom Brady. Took one pick back for a score and made 51 tackles while playing in all 16 games and starting nine.

Will Davis, LB, Cardinals

B-. Still making the transition from playing defensive end in college to linebacker in the NFL, but had some success in his first season in the league. Had 19 tackles and a pair of sacks in 11 games.

David Diehl, OL, Giants

A. Eli Manning's top offensive lineman has established himself as one of the top left tackles in the NFL. Despite the Giants' struggles, Diehl was named to the NFC's Pro Bowl team for the second time in his career.

Xavier Fulton, OL, Buccaneers

INC. Fifth-round pick spent the entire season on injured reserve after tearing an ACL in the final preseason game for the Buccaneers.

Kelvin Hayden, DB, Indianapolis

C. For the second-straight season, the Super Bowl XLI hero missed a big chunk of the season with an injury. A banged-up knee forced Hayden to miss seven games in the regular season, where he made 50 tackles and picked off one pass.

Nathan Hodel, LS, Lions

INC. After a productive career in Arizona, Hodel appeared in one game for the lowly Lions.

Greg Lewis, WR, Vikings

C. Backup had pedestrian numbers in 13 games (eight receptions, 96 yards) but one catch stands out in the minds of NFL fans everywhere. Lewis' last-second snag of a Brett Favre sizzler in the back of the end zone kept the Vikings unbeaten and was a high moment in a season that ended in the NFC title game.

Brandon Lloyd, WR, Denver

C-. Spent the majority of the season sidelined with an injury, but returned to play in the final two games for Denver and put up good numbers. He caught eight passes for 117 yards in 2009.

Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers

A-. Second-year player bounced back from an injury-plagued and disappointing rookie season and emerged as the Steelers' featured back. Rushed for 1,108 yards, while averaging 4.6 yards per tote.

Brit Miller, FB, 49ers

B-. Made the roster as a fullback after earning All-Big Ten honors as a linebacker during his time at Illinois. Played mainly on special teams for the 49ers and made four tackles in five appearances.

Brandon Moore, OL, Jets

B-. For the fifth straight season, Moore started every game at guard for the Jets, who reached the AFC title game. He helped pave the way for an offense that averaged 97 yards per game on the ground, but allowed rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez to be sacked 26 times.

Tony Pashos, OL Jaguars

INC. Played in five games with one start before breaking his left shoulder blade and spending the remainder of the season on injured reserve.

Neil Rackers, K, Cardinals

A. Made 16 of 17 field goals, including a long of 48 yards for the Cardinals. Also made good on 37 of 38 point-after-touchdown tries and put 14 kickoffs in the endzone for touchbacks.

Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints

A. The do-everything back for the Super Bowl champs is in line for a huge payday and look for the Saints to do what they can to keep him in New Orleans. Shook off an early injury to rush for 793 yards and six TDs. Caught 39 passes for another 302 yards and two scores. Scored TDs through the air in the Super Bowl and NFC title game.

Steve Weatherford, P, Jets

B-. Averaged 42 yards per boot for the AFC finalists, while sending a career-high 80 into the air. Placed 25 kicks inside the 20-yard line and booted a career-long 66-yarder in Week 12 against Carolina.

Eugene Wilson, DB, Texans

B. Spent the last eight games of the season on injured reserve after starting the first eight at safety for the Texans. Picked off two passes and made 29 tackles before broken toes cost him the rest of the season.

Duke Preston, J Leman, Derek Walker, Jason Davis, Ryan McDonald: Not included because they didn't appear in any games.

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