Illinois defensive tackle Keith Randolph Jr. is a powerful interior lineman in the 2024 NFL Draft. A steady contributor for a stout Illini defense, Randolph Jr. recorded 159 tackles, 23 for a loss, 10.0 sacks, and six pass breakups across five successful campaigns. Randolph Jr. possesses outstanding power at the point of attack.
Randolph Jr. recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about defending the pass and run, his experience at the NFL Combine, which teams are showing interest in his services, and more.
JM: How do you reflect on your five seasons at Illinois? What are you most proud of?
Keith Randolph Jr.: My time at Illinois was amazing. I enjoyed it so much. We went through ups and downs. My favorite thing about my time at Illinois was definitely being a part of the No. 1 defense in the country in 2022.
We were so dominant. We had the best defense in the country. The way we all played together, it was fantastic to witness it come together. Honestly, it was a blessing to be a part of that unit. We were special.
JM: What a unit that was. When I think about that 2022 defense, you’ve played next to Johnny Newton for a few years now. That defense also had NFL players in the secondary like Devon Witherspoon, Sydney Brown, and Quan Martin. Talk to me about the chemistry you guys had up front and how you made each other better.
Keith Randolph Jr.: The 2022 defense had a ton of fantastic players on it just like you said. Devon Witherspoon, Quan Martin, Sydney Brown, Kendall Smith, and Tarique Barnes come to mind.
We had guys like Cavin Avery, Johnny Newton, and myself up front. Our chemistry was amazing. We were very well connected. Not just Johnny and I, but Calvin Avery and I too. I’d include our outside edges, Seth Coleman and Gabe Jacas as well.
We just connected very very well. We held each other to a high standard. We tried to make every play our best play. We were tough, smart, and dependable through it all. That identity helped us be the dominant front that we were.
JM: What a special defense that was. You recently participated at the NFL Combine. What was your experience like?
Keith Randolph Jr.: It was a surreal experience. I was around so many amazing coaches, scouts, and players. There were so many bigwigs in attendance (laughs). It was fun to be around so many top-notch prospects.
The NFL Combine is where the best prospects in the country come together. To be considered among that group is truly a blessing from God. I took advantage of my opportunity. I enjoyed it a lot.
JM: You receive a lot of praise for your run-stopping efforts. Do you feel like that part of your game is more polished as of right now?
Keith Randolph Jr.: I feel like both aspects of my game are polished, stopping the run and rushing the passer. I feel like I’m very well-polished in both areas. Playing in The Big Ten conference, we obviously faced a lot more run-heavy offenses. You don’t get as many opportunities to rush the passer.
I think that’s why people see me as a run defender. I’m doing more of that on tape because that’s what we had to do at Illinois. I really feel like both parts of my game are polished though. I can always get better in both areas though.
JM: You want to prove that you’re just as effective rushing the passer. That’s a big thing for you throughout this pre-draft process. How would you describe your pass-rush arsenal?
Keith Randolph Jr.: I’m definitely out to prove a lot of people wrong. I feel like I’m an extremely powerful pass rusher. I have some finesse moves as well. I feel like I have a deep arsenal of moves. I can also rush the quarterback from different positions across the line of scrimmage, whether that’s as a 3-tech or 4i. I’m trying to put it all together for the next level.
JM: With the NFL Combine now in our rearview mirror, do you have any Top 30 visits coming up?
Keith Randolph Jr.: I’ve been meeting with teams virtually through Zoom and whatnot. I recently met with the Cardinals, Seahawks, Bears, and Colts on Zoom. I have a bunch more scheduled as well. I also met with every team at the Senior Bowl.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Keith Randolph Jr. going to make at the next level?
Keith Randolph Jr.: I’m going to be the best version of Keith Randolph Jr. I can be. I’m going to rush the passer and stop the run. I’m planning on being a dominant defensive lineman. I’m going to do my job at a high level while adding versatility to the line of scrimmage.
I’m going to have a lot of fun while I’m doing it. The No. 1 goal is obviously to help the team win games. I just want to come in and help the team win. I’m going to wreak havoc in the backfield.
