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When he lost the tip of his left index finger during a freak weight lifting accident one year ago, Whitney Mercilus wondered how the missing digit might affect his chance to become an NFL draft pick.
Could he still rush the passer? Could he still wrap up with tackles?
Would teams back off due to the injury?
The weightlifting nightmare, which occurred last April while Mercilus was spotting for a teammate who lost control of a bar holding 405 pounds, pulverized the end of Mercilus finger.
But after the initial shock wore off, Mercilus was soon back out doing drills, determined to have a big junior year.
The work he poured into getting ready for the (2011) season was unbelievable, former Illini head coach Ron Zook said.
And the payoff was prompt. Almost immediately, Mercilus emerged as a non-stop pass rushing force. By the time the 2011 season was over, Mercilus had recorded 16 sacks, forced nine fumbles and emerged as the best story on an Illini team that played so poorly in the second half of the season it cost Zook his job.
As one NFL scout said in praise of Mercilus work ethic, His motor ran on red all season long.
I wonder, does this pick show us Kubs has confidence in Maehl/Jean?
OK with the pick and want us to trade up and get Hill now.
Don't know anything about him...but I really wanted a WR.
Was hoping for Fleener or Hill.
Disappointed really. He's not likely going to be an every down player.
He can still be an impact player in rotation at OLB at least.
Little surprised since Martin and Glenn were still on the board at OT/G. Not unhappy about it, but would have preferred someone who had more than one year of production. He does project out well. Keeps our D looking solid.
Hopefully we find a way to get a good WR in the 2nd-3rd.
McClain_on_NFL If Mercilus develops way Smith, Kubiak and Phillips think he will, they'll have him and Cushing rushing behind Barwin, Reed, Watt and Smith. 4 minutes ago · reply · retweet · favorite
Not gonna lie, I do not like the pick at all. He looks very average to me on film.
I hope like hell he proves me wrong, but I'm not excited...
9ners pass on Hill, very telling
Didn't realize you had access to film. He has the work ethic to prove you wrong as an effort guy and serious football skill guy. That's how I feel about him anyway. He was best guy on the board