CHAMPAIGN ? Former Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus was considered a first-round NFL pick. He was joined there Thursday night by wide receiver A.J. Jenkins.
The Houston Texans took Mercilus with the 26th pick before the San Francisco 49ers went with Jenkins with the 30th choice. It?s the first time Illinois has had two first-round picks in the same year since Kevin Hardy and Simeon Rice went 2-3 in 1996.
The Illini have had five first-round selections in the last five seasons, with Mercilus and Jenkins joining defensive tackle Corey Liuget (2011), cornerback Vontae Davis (2009) and running back Rashard Mendenhall (2008).
Mercilus was an unknown before leading the nation with 16 sacks and nine forced fumbles on his way to earning the Hendricks Award as the top college defensive end last season. He was the third defensive end chosen.
?A one-year wonder, but his one year was special,?? NFL analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said.
Jenkins was considered a likely second rounder. He joined a 49ers receiving corps that includes Michael Crabtree, Randy Moss and Mario Manningham.
Pro Football Weekly reported that Jenkins had the tools to emerge as one of the best receiver prospects in the draft. He was the fourth receiver chosen.
Also Thursday, the Illini landed a commitment from four-star Bolingbrook junior quarterback Aaron Bailey, a key move in coach Tim Beckman?s first full year on the job.
John Supinie can be reached at 377-1977. Follow him on Twitter @JohnSupinie.
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