Melvin Priestly

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• Signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois following the 2026 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE

• Split his career at Illinois (2024-25) and Grambling State (2022-23). Starting in 41-of-48 games with 26 games at right tackle and 15 at left tackle.
• 2025 (Illinois): Started in all 13 games at right tackle. He had a 71.5 pass-blocking grade and a 68.1 run-blocking grade, allowing 14 quarterback pressures (per PFF).
• Helped Illinois to its second straight bowl victory, a 30-28 win over #23 Tennessee in the Music City Bowl
• 2024 (Illinois): Started in all 13 games at right tackle, allowing 20 quarterback pressures.
• 2023 (Grambling State): Appeared in 11 games (10 starts) at left tackle.
• 2022 (Grambling State): Played in 11 games (five starts) at left tackle.

PERSONAL

• Earned his bachelor's degree in sociology from Illinois
• Attended East St. Louis Illinois Senior High School
• Led East St. Louis to an IHSA 6A state runner-up finish as a senior in 2021