What to know about Rochester grad Hank Beatty's NFL draft stock

CHAMPAIGN — It’s been a grind since Hank Beatty’s final season on the University of Illinois football team.

The Rochester High School graduate performed in the Hula Bowl on Jan. 10 before undertaking the Illini Pro Day on March 12 to set the stage for the 2026 NFL draft Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25 in Pittsburgh.

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How did Beatty perform at pro day?

Beatty placed a heightened emphasis on the 40-yard dash, where he flourished in the 4.50s.

“It was definitely a lot,” Beatty said. “Last year, I did a pro day, but I was just running routes to help with some of the other receivers who were doing their pro day. But this one was just a lot more because I had to do all of the testing and measurements, then run routes after that, too. It was a jam-packed day.

“A lot of people were telling me I had a pretty solid pro day. Whatever they say, whether it’s good or bad, it’s kind of one ear out the other and then just keep working is really how I handle it.”

University of Illinois' Hank Beatty carries the ball during the August 29 game between the Western Illinois Leathernecks and the Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign.

What is Beatty’s draft stock?

Beatty is a late-round draft prospect following a breakout season.

The 5-foot-11 receiver and punt returner led the Illini with 70 catches for 864 yards and three touchdowns that included three 100-yard games in wins against Western Illinois, Duke, and Purdue.

The former high school Gatorade Illinois Football Player of the Year notably became the first Big Ten Conference performer to record a passing TD, rushing TD, receiving TD, and punt return TD in the same season since 2003.

He additionally broke Red Grange’s 102-year-old school record for most punt return yards in a game against WIU.

“I feel like I just make things happen when I have the ball in my hands,” Beatty said.

University of Illinois' Hank Beatty carries the ball during the September 27 game between the USC Trojans and the Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign.

What does Beatty’s hardware include?

Beatty won All-Big Ten Third Team honors from coaches and media, not to mention Associated Press All-Big Ten Second Team as an all-purpose player despite ramped-up coverage.

Beatty said some opponents routinely signaled where he was lining up.

“I’d say starting off the season, I hadn’t done a ton in the seasons prior, so teams weren’t really game planning for me,” Beatty said. “But I think as the season went on and I kind of established myself as a playmaker that teams were definitely more keen on me, so I had to navigate that a little bit and figure out how to keep being productive and keep making plays.”

Beatty, who graduated in December with a business marketing degree, was also selected to the Academic All-American Second Team with a 3.87 GPA, the first Illini player since 2008 and 27th overall.

Beatty knew how to balance football and the classroom in high school, but this was a different level that could sometimes feel overwhelming.

“It took a lot of hard work, and sometimes I didn’t feel like working that hard,” Beatty said. “I was with good people around me, pushing me to achieve as much as I could.  There were opportunities here and I had a good support group and a good work ethic, so I just tried to make the most of them.”

University of Illinois' Hank Beatty carries the ball during the October 11 game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign.

At least he doesn’t have to worry about grades anymore. He can just focus on football and his ongoing training in Champaign.

He said it would be a cool experience to hear his name called. The alternative isn’t so bad either. Former Sacred Heart-Griffin and Illini receiver Malik Turner was an undrafted free agent in 2018.

“Either way, I feel like I’m going to have the opportunity to be able to play at the next level, and I’ve just got to be able to make the most out of the opportunity,” Beatty said.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Rochester grad and Illini star Hank Beatty receives 2026 NFL draft buzz