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Illinois Defensive Lineman Dennis Briggs Jr. Invited to Tennessee Titans Minicamp

After going undrafted, the Illini's Briggs received an invite to the Titans' rookie minicamp
Pranav Hegde|
Oct 12, 2019; Champaign, IL, USA; An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet sits on the field as players stretch before the start of the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Allio-Imagn Images
Oct 12, 2019; Champaign, IL, USA; An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet sits on the field as players stretch before the start of the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Allio-Imagn Images | Michael Allio-Imagn Images

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Winning 10 games last season put a lot of eyes on Illinois' football program, and a lot of NFL scouts wound up seeing talent that could benefit their franchises. Illini defensive lineman Dennis Briggs Jr. took advantage of the extra attention, earning an invite to the Tennessee Titans' rookie minicamp.

Briggs, a 6-foot-4, 275-pounder, transferred from Florida State last year to play his final college season in Champaign for coach Bret Bielema. That decision turned out to be a great one for his career, as the big man turned in his most productive season, recording 40 total tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Although Briggs wasn't selected in last weekend's NFL Draft, his story doesn't have to be finished. Although it will be an uphill climb, many players have made names for themselves going the undrafted route – and Briggs has landed with a team that fits him like a hand in glove.

Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson deployed a 3-4 scheme last season – the same as Illinois' – so Briggs (a stout, edge-holding end) could be an ideal fit.

It likely helps Briggs' cause, too, that the Titans happened to be the worst team in the NFL last season. Tennessee is looking for talent (and likely fresh attitudes) in every corner, and a defense that is particularly in need of help should give Briggs a fighting chance to earn an NFL roster spot.

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Northern Iowa Defensive Lineman Transfer Carter Hewitt Commits to Illinois

Illinois Wide Receiver Zakhari Franklin Signs With Las Vegas Raiders

Illinois WR Pat Bryant Picked in Round 3 of NFL Draft by Denver Broncos: How He Fits

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Pranav Hegde
PRANAV HEGDE

Primarily covers Illinois football, basketball and golf, with an emphasis on news, analysis and features. Hegde, an electrical engineering student at Illinois with an affinity for sports writing, has been writing for On SI since April 2025. He can be followed and reached on Instagram @pranavhegde__.

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